My mother was given the wrong medications when she went into the hospital. How can I get this situation addressed?

Asked by buszmum  |  Jun 16, 2010

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Lynn Harrelson, Jun 22, 2010

Lynn Harrelson is a pharmacist who specializes in medication and prescription management for seniors. She provides health care services and information that help individuals remain independent in their homes, retirement and assisted living facilities.

 

In each hospital there is an individual/department to address such problems since errors of this type may be due one or more issues from one or more departments or how they department communicate. The Joint Commission of Healthcare Accreditation Organization or other credentialing organizations evaluate how such problems are received and addressed.

I would encourage you to discuss the error with the Patient Services Coordinator, Quality Assurance Coordinator, etc ( these are some of the usual titles).Take your notes and always ask for feedback and what processes are in place to prevent things like this from happening again. Facilities usually reinforce procedures, retrain, establish new processes.

 
 

Elizza

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Jun 22, 2010

GO RIGHT TO THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE HOSPITAL. THIS IS A SERIOUS MATTER AND SHOULD NOT BE LEFT IN THE HANDS OF ANYONE WHO CANNOT TAKE ACTION.

 
 

loulou53

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Jun 22, 2010

depending where you are from in uk its called P.A.L.S they have a complaints procedure or get legal advice off a solicitor. Ring the hospital your mother was in and ask them how you make a formal complaint regarding this matter. keep copies of all correspondence. good luck !!!

 
 

susan63

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Jun 22, 2010

Go directly to the hospital administrator NOT the director of nursing. Tell them you want an account of what happened in writing (you may have to put your complaint in writing too). Don't let them blow you off. I have 2 sisters that are nurses and this is a major no no. Depending on the type of medication she was given and where they got the information to give her the medicine will play in. Insist on a response in writing!

 
 

ashford10

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Jun 22, 2010

Go to your state's Departent of Human Resources.....regulatory services that oversees and monitors hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted Living

 
 

195Austin

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Jun 22, 2010

When you approach the hospital say you want it to be a teaching tool for the staff mistakes do happen and there might be a reason for example two meds souning almost alike being next to each other at my hospital a machine checks the name bracell againist the blister pak the med is in and each pt, has there meds locked in a nures server.

 
 

hapfra

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Jun 22, 2010

As previously mentioned I woul go directly to the hospital administrator---and make sure the issue is resolved....this could lead to serious consequences otherwise.

Best

Hap

 
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