We recently moved to North Carolina by a leap of FAITH and to live the dreams that my mom & sister never had the opportunity to do.
We landed in Raleigh, NC and are adjusting to our downsizing. We have found jobs and continue to get familiar with the city and surroundings. WE love the weather and it is pretty easy to get around, I work close to home so I need to get and explore so more.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Riverside hospital - Bacterial Infections
This sounds all to familiar - I have been down this road and my radar went off immediately
when I heard this story. Soon it is my goal to make these hospitals report to the public so people can make informed decesions as to where they want treatment or care based on the report card.
when I heard this story. Soon it is my goal to make these hospitals report to the public so people can make informed decesions as to where they want treatment or care based on the report card.
Woman gives birth, later dies from bacterial meningitis -
Woman Gives Birth, Later Dies From Bacterial Meningitis
Tuesday, May 26, 2009 12:30 PM
Updated: Tuesday, May 26, 2009 5:21 PM
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BELLFONTAINE, Ohio — Hospital administrators said Tuesday that they were conducting an investigation after two women contracted bacterial meningitis within 24 hours of giving birth.
The women arrived at Mary Rutan Hospital Thursday evening and both delivered healthy babies. By the next morning, the women started to become ill, 10TV's Tanisha Mallett reported.
"Sometime around mid-morning there were complications," said Mandy Goble, president and chief executive officer of Mary Rutan Hospital. "Headaches and a little bit of nausea developed, which is very common with spinal anesthesia."
Later in the day, the women were moved to Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus. Shortly before midnight, one of the women, Susan Simpson, 30, died.
Goble said her hospital immediately launched an investigation to determine what caused the infection.
"They came in about an hour apart; they were in separate rooms (and) as far as we know they did not know each other previous to the delivery," Goble said. "The only commonality that we have been able to determine is they each shared a spinal anesthesia."
The other woman, whose name was not released, remained at the hospital on Tuesday. Her family and friends told 10TV News that she was in the hospital's intensive care unit, Mallett reported.
The women's babies were in good condition at Nationwide Children's Hospital.
The Ohio Department of Health told 10TV News that the Logan County Health Department was also involved in the investigation.
Watch 10TV News and refresh 10TV.com for additional information.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009 12:30 PM
Updated: Tuesday, May 26, 2009 5:21 PM
Print Story
E-mail Story
BELLFONTAINE, Ohio — Hospital administrators said Tuesday that they were conducting an investigation after two women contracted bacterial meningitis within 24 hours of giving birth.
The women arrived at Mary Rutan Hospital Thursday evening and both delivered healthy babies. By the next morning, the women started to become ill, 10TV's Tanisha Mallett reported.
"Sometime around mid-morning there were complications," said Mandy Goble, president and chief executive officer of Mary Rutan Hospital. "Headaches and a little bit of nausea developed, which is very common with spinal anesthesia."
Later in the day, the women were moved to Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus. Shortly before midnight, one of the women, Susan Simpson, 30, died.
Goble said her hospital immediately launched an investigation to determine what caused the infection.
"They came in about an hour apart; they were in separate rooms (and) as far as we know they did not know each other previous to the delivery," Goble said. "The only commonality that we have been able to determine is they each shared a spinal anesthesia."
The other woman, whose name was not released, remained at the hospital on Tuesday. Her family and friends told 10TV News that she was in the hospital's intensive care unit, Mallett reported.
The women's babies were in good condition at Nationwide Children's Hospital.
The Ohio Department of Health told 10TV News that the Logan County Health Department was also involved in the investigation.
Watch 10TV News and refresh 10TV.com for additional information.
Gram- Nagative in Neonatal units
Gram-Negative Rods in Neonatal ICUs
05/15/2009
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) have found a high frequency of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative rods (GNRs) in two of the largest neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in the city of Manila, Philippines. Improved infection control methods could reduce the vast number of hospital-acquired neonatal infections. The BUSM study appears online in the journal Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology.
According to researchers, hospital-acquired infections have emerged as a significant health problem in developing areas. Neonatal mortality accounts for more than one third of all global child deaths each year. Sepsis is a leading cause of death within the first month of life and is often acquired through unhygienic care practices in healthcare facilities, which frequently have limited emphasis placed on standard infection control measures.
Over a 10-month period, BUSM researchers conducted studies for colonization and bloodstream infections with gentamicin or third generation cephalosporin-resistant GNR among all NICU infants weekly and then on the day of discharge. Researchers found a total of 1,997 resistant GNRs colonizing 1,831 neonates. Results also showed that 376 newborns became bacteremic with a total of 437 GNRs.
The most common GNR species identified were Klebsiella, Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter. A high proportion of colonization and bacteremia at the two NICUs was with non-intestinal GNRs. Factors significantly associated with increased risk of bacteremia were mechanical ventilation and prematurity. Additionally, colonization with a resistant GNR was an independent risk factor for bacteremia.
"Colonization with a resistant GNR was an independent risk factor for sepsis," said senior author, Davidson Hamer, MD, associate professor of international health and medicine at Boston University School of Public Health, and director of Boston Medical Center's Travel Clinic. "The unusually high intensity of colonization pressure and disease with multidrug-resistant GNRs at these two NICUs constitutes an emerging health care crisis in the developing world."
This study was funded by the United States Agency for International Development, the Health Resources and Services Administration and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
05/15/2009
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) have found a high frequency of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative rods (GNRs) in two of the largest neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in the city of Manila, Philippines. Improved infection control methods could reduce the vast number of hospital-acquired neonatal infections. The BUSM study appears online in the journal Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology.
According to researchers, hospital-acquired infections have emerged as a significant health problem in developing areas. Neonatal mortality accounts for more than one third of all global child deaths each year. Sepsis is a leading cause of death within the first month of life and is often acquired through unhygienic care practices in healthcare facilities, which frequently have limited emphasis placed on standard infection control measures.
Over a 10-month period, BUSM researchers conducted studies for colonization and bloodstream infections with gentamicin or third generation cephalosporin-resistant GNR among all NICU infants weekly and then on the day of discharge. Researchers found a total of 1,997 resistant GNRs colonizing 1,831 neonates. Results also showed that 376 newborns became bacteremic with a total of 437 GNRs.
The most common GNR species identified were Klebsiella, Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter. A high proportion of colonization and bacteremia at the two NICUs was with non-intestinal GNRs. Factors significantly associated with increased risk of bacteremia were mechanical ventilation and prematurity. Additionally, colonization with a resistant GNR was an independent risk factor for bacteremia.
"Colonization with a resistant GNR was an independent risk factor for sepsis," said senior author, Davidson Hamer, MD, associate professor of international health and medicine at Boston University School of Public Health, and director of Boston Medical Center's Travel Clinic. "The unusually high intensity of colonization pressure and disease with multidrug-resistant GNRs at these two NICUs constitutes an emerging health care crisis in the developing world."
This study was funded by the United States Agency for International Development, the Health Resources and Services Administration and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
Controling Resistant Bacteria - Hand washing....!!!!
Control of Resistant Bacteria in Outpatient Clinics
05/11/2009
While infections with antibiotic-resistant bacteria, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, are usually associated with inpatient settings, the potential for infection in outpatient clinics exists. A review in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) outlines infection control strategies for these settings to help minimize transmission of these potentially deadly pathogens.
"The recent emergence of community-associated MRSA, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus and C. difficile among patients with no known predisposing factors has increased the potential for offices and clinics to become silent reservoirs of these pathogens," write Dr. Anne Matlow and coauthor from the Hospital for Sick Children and the University of Toronto.
Hygiene, education and cleaning of physical environments are important for infection control. Careful prescribing of antibiotics is also key. Healthcare workers are the main mode of transmission and should be the primary target of prevention strategies which include hand washing with alcohol-based hand rubs or soap and water – the most essential part of infection control. Additional precautions, such as gown and gloves, should be used in caring for patients with diarrhea, cystic fibrosis or draining wounds. A multi-pronged approach, including policies and guidelines for identifying and managing infected patients, access to personal protective equipment and hand sanitizers or soap and water is required to prevent transmission.
"Since most cases of transmission in ambulatory care are a result of deficient infection-control practices, strict adherence to recommendations is paramount," write the authors.
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05/11/2009
While infections with antibiotic-resistant bacteria, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, are usually associated with inpatient settings, the potential for infection in outpatient clinics exists. A review in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) outlines infection control strategies for these settings to help minimize transmission of these potentially deadly pathogens.
"The recent emergence of community-associated MRSA, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus and C. difficile among patients with no known predisposing factors has increased the potential for offices and clinics to become silent reservoirs of these pathogens," write Dr. Anne Matlow and coauthor from the Hospital for Sick Children and the University of Toronto.
Hygiene, education and cleaning of physical environments are important for infection control. Careful prescribing of antibiotics is also key. Healthcare workers are the main mode of transmission and should be the primary target of prevention strategies which include hand washing with alcohol-based hand rubs or soap and water – the most essential part of infection control. Additional precautions, such as gown and gloves, should be used in caring for patients with diarrhea, cystic fibrosis or draining wounds. A multi-pronged approach, including policies and guidelines for identifying and managing infected patients, access to personal protective equipment and hand sanitizers or soap and water is required to prevent transmission.
"Since most cases of transmission in ambulatory care are a result of deficient infection-control practices, strict adherence to recommendations is paramount," write the authors.
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Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Validation vs Frustration
Today I have received a lot of positive feedback regarding the news story about my Mom.
However, there are a few that believe otherwise. I have heard it before, "You need to move on"
focus on your family. I am focusing on my family. I believe that positive changes will come of my hard work and dedication to changing the Ohio law. If you know me, I am stubborn and will find a way to make it happen. Most of all because my mom, Ruth gave her entire life as a nurse to helping others. I am helping the people without a voice, those who have died in the name of "preventable acquired Hospital Infections"
I understand that one person can make a difference - Its the one person who will LISTEN!
My work is just getting started, like the seed in the wind.
My potential to help others is unlimited :)
However, there are a few that believe otherwise. I have heard it before, "You need to move on"
focus on your family. I am focusing on my family. I believe that positive changes will come of my hard work and dedication to changing the Ohio law. If you know me, I am stubborn and will find a way to make it happen. Most of all because my mom, Ruth gave her entire life as a nurse to helping others. I am helping the people without a voice, those who have died in the name of "preventable acquired Hospital Infections"
I understand that one person can make a difference - Its the one person who will LISTEN!
My work is just getting started, like the seed in the wind.
My potential to help others is unlimited :)
Monday, May 11, 2009
I-Team Investigation - Hospital Infections TV interview
My TV interview with wcpo.com with Hagit Limor at channel 9 news.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Happy Mother's Day - I wish you were here.
Mom-
I wish you were here everyday, but today has been extremely difficult. We lost another child to cancer and he (Ryan) was delivered to heaven via his bright red corvette. I know you will see him there because you loved hot red cars, and Ryan has a message to share with others too. He was wise and kind beyond his years. It is so difficult to lose a part of your family.
I am still trying to focus on the positive and look ahead but some days its truly just the grief
driving my day, just to get through it. I miss you soooooooooo much it hurts, always wanting to pick up the phone to tell you about what is going on in life. I know that you are watching over me but the emptiness takes over at times and I forget to live life.
I am still advocating in your honor to help save lives from senseless hospital acquired negative-gram infections. You will be on TV soon and the newspapers articles are giving validation to the cause. People are listening and your life story has made an impact on those who have the power to change the system. I will continue to fight this battle and make a difference until its an a OHIO law.
I see & talk to you in the beautiful lilies & angel in my memory garden in the backyard.
I am getting along without you, I feel you in my heart but its still broken. Selfishly I wish you were here, but I know that you were needed to take care of others in heaven.
All my love
Kacia
I wish you were here everyday, but today has been extremely difficult. We lost another child to cancer and he (Ryan) was delivered to heaven via his bright red corvette. I know you will see him there because you loved hot red cars, and Ryan has a message to share with others too. He was wise and kind beyond his years. It is so difficult to lose a part of your family.
I am still trying to focus on the positive and look ahead but some days its truly just the grief
driving my day, just to get through it. I miss you soooooooooo much it hurts, always wanting to pick up the phone to tell you about what is going on in life. I know that you are watching over me but the emptiness takes over at times and I forget to live life.
I am still advocating in your honor to help save lives from senseless hospital acquired negative-gram infections. You will be on TV soon and the newspapers articles are giving validation to the cause. People are listening and your life story has made an impact on those who have the power to change the system. I will continue to fight this battle and make a difference until its an a OHIO law.
I see & talk to you in the beautiful lilies & angel in my memory garden in the backyard.
I am getting along without you, I feel you in my heart but its still broken. Selfishly I wish you were here, but I know that you were needed to take care of others in heaven.
All my love
Kacia
Monday, April 27, 2009
Opportunity knocks....
Tonight I received a telephone call to join my friend to testify at a public hearing
for regulations for hospital infections. I am interested and excited to tell of my
personal experience and take action to do my part with prevention. I will update you
tomorrow.
for regulations for hospital infections. I am interested and excited to tell of my
personal experience and take action to do my part with prevention. I will update you
tomorrow.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Hand Washing ****Unbelievable!!!
http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/hotnews/monitoring-hand-hygiene-compliance.html
“We know that a range of pathogens are spread from healthcare workers to patients by direct touch and that the current rates of hand hygiene compliance are suboptimal,” said Philip Polgreen, MD, University of Iowa Health Care. “Our new low-cost method of monitoring could potentially reduce cost while increasing compliance rates.” The failure of healthcare workers to perform appropriate hand hygiene is one of the leading preventable causes of healthcare-associated infections.
Read about how this may change our future-
“We know that a range of pathogens are spread from healthcare workers to patients by direct touch and that the current rates of hand hygiene compliance are suboptimal,” said Philip Polgreen, MD, University of Iowa Health Care. “Our new low-cost method of monitoring could potentially reduce cost while increasing compliance rates.” The failure of healthcare workers to perform appropriate hand hygiene is one of the leading preventable causes of healthcare-associated infections.
Read about how this may change our future-
Bacteria Meningitis in Ohio
Meningitis case at OSU raises issue of vaccines
Shots not required of Ohio resident students
Wednesday, April 1, 2009 3:18 AM
By Encarnacion Pyle
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Ohio colleges since July 2005 have had to keep records of whether students living in residence halls have been vaccinated against meningitis and hepatitis B.
But the focus has been more on telling students where to find information about the illnesses rather than determining whether the campaign is working.
Some people would like the state to require that every student living at an Ohio college be vaccinated.
"I can't emphasize enough the importance of getting a vaccination for meningococcal, which is so deadly and can spread so rapidly," said Dr. Mysheika LeMaile-Williams, the medical director at Columbus Public Health.
An Ohio State University student is the most recent of 17 bacterial-meningitis cases in the state this year. Ohio State announced yesterday that the illness was diagnosed in the female student Monday morning. She was taken to the OSU Medical Center.
This is the first case of the contagious illness on the campus this year.
OSU spokesman Jim Lynch would not identify the student but said she is a resident of Patterson Hall.
He said people who had direct contact with the student have been notified so they can get a preventive antibiotic. Ohio State's spring break was last week, and the student was hospitalized before she attended classes Monday, Lynch said. People who were around her in Lorain County, where she spent spring break, also were notified.
Two Ohio University freshmen, including the son of Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O'Brien, also contracted bacterial meningitis this year.
Bacterial meningitis infects the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord and can be fatal if it goes undetected and is not treated early. It is passed from person to person through saliva.
About 2,600 people in the United States catch bacterial meningitis each year. It can destroy organs and tissue within hours, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The CDC has recommended that children as young as 11 be vaccinated.
Common symptoms are a high fever, headache and stiff neck. Other symptoms are confusion, nausea, a rash, sleepiness, vomiting and discomfort in bright light.
Ohio recorded about 40 cases of bacterial meningitis last year, according to the state Department of Health.
The state's colleges are required to ask students whether they have been vaccinated against meningitis and hepatitis B, a virus that affects the liver and is spread through contact with blood or other bodily fluids. But several schools said they use the records only when a student falls ill because the information is often incorrect or outdated.
About 5,000 students at Ohio State and 4,000 at OU have indicated that they have been vaccinated against bacterial meningitis, officials said.
Sen. Gary Cates, a West Chester Republican, has introduced a bill that would require all students living at an Ohio public university to be vaccinated, an effort that has failed in the past.
"It's a first step to better protecting our students," said Cates' legislative assistant, Sarah Spence.
epyle@dispatch.com
Shots not required of Ohio resident students
Wednesday, April 1, 2009 3:18 AM
By Encarnacion Pyle
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Ohio colleges since July 2005 have had to keep records of whether students living in residence halls have been vaccinated against meningitis and hepatitis B.
But the focus has been more on telling students where to find information about the illnesses rather than determining whether the campaign is working.
Some people would like the state to require that every student living at an Ohio college be vaccinated.
"I can't emphasize enough the importance of getting a vaccination for meningococcal, which is so deadly and can spread so rapidly," said Dr. Mysheika LeMaile-Williams, the medical director at Columbus Public Health.
An Ohio State University student is the most recent of 17 bacterial-meningitis cases in the state this year. Ohio State announced yesterday that the illness was diagnosed in the female student Monday morning. She was taken to the OSU Medical Center.
This is the first case of the contagious illness on the campus this year.
OSU spokesman Jim Lynch would not identify the student but said she is a resident of Patterson Hall.
He said people who had direct contact with the student have been notified so they can get a preventive antibiotic. Ohio State's spring break was last week, and the student was hospitalized before she attended classes Monday, Lynch said. People who were around her in Lorain County, where she spent spring break, also were notified.
Two Ohio University freshmen, including the son of Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O'Brien, also contracted bacterial meningitis this year.
Bacterial meningitis infects the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord and can be fatal if it goes undetected and is not treated early. It is passed from person to person through saliva.
About 2,600 people in the United States catch bacterial meningitis each year. It can destroy organs and tissue within hours, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The CDC has recommended that children as young as 11 be vaccinated.
Common symptoms are a high fever, headache and stiff neck. Other symptoms are confusion, nausea, a rash, sleepiness, vomiting and discomfort in bright light.
Ohio recorded about 40 cases of bacterial meningitis last year, according to the state Department of Health.
The state's colleges are required to ask students whether they have been vaccinated against meningitis and hepatitis B, a virus that affects the liver and is spread through contact with blood or other bodily fluids. But several schools said they use the records only when a student falls ill because the information is often incorrect or outdated.
About 5,000 students at Ohio State and 4,000 at OU have indicated that they have been vaccinated against bacterial meningitis, officials said.
Sen. Gary Cates, a West Chester Republican, has introduced a bill that would require all students living at an Ohio public university to be vaccinated, an effort that has failed in the past.
"It's a first step to better protecting our students," said Cates' legislative assistant, Sarah Spence.
epyle@dispatch.com
Drug Overdoses in Ohio - In loving memory of my Sister Gidgett Burns
Drug overdoses kill more Ohioans than car wrecks
Thursday, April 2, 2009 2:17 PM
By Alan Johnson
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
A new killer has quietly replaced traffic crashes as the No. 1 cause of accidental death in Ohio.
Unintentional poisoning deaths - nearly all of them drug overdoses - eclipsed traffic fatalities in both 2006 and 2007, the Ohio Department of Health reported. Numbers have not been released for last year.
Overdose deaths shot up 249 percent between 1999 and 2007. An average of three people now die each day in Ohio of drug overdoses.
The state agency calls it an epidemic.
In addition, heroin and synthetic opiates such as OxyContin have now replaced cocaine as the second-tier "drug of choice" among those seeking rehabilitation, treatment agencies are reporting. They rank behind only alcohol.
Officials gathered at a Statehouse news conference today said they are alarmed by both trends, given the backdrop of state budget cutbacks for drug-, alcohol- and mental-health treatment programs.
"We have a serious problem with opiate addiction," said Joe Trolian, executive director of the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Richland County.
"This is not just down-and-out people from the wrong side of town. This is high-school students that died in the family recreation room, athletes who thought they could take just one more pill, older adults who mix drugs and alcohol."
Cheri L. Walter, chief executive officer of the Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities, said that as funding evaporates, only those patients who qualify for Medicaid are certain to be served.
"Many Ohio counties have no funds left over to provide services to middle- or lower-income families who have minimal or no health-care benefits."
The Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services has $38 million in state money, twice as much as when it was created 20 years ago. However, it is treating 100,000 people instead of 40,000.
Health officials said opiates are "largely responsible for this alarming increase in drug-poisoning death rates." There is a direct relationship between increasing sales of prescription opiates and drug overdoses, they concluded.
Franklin County reported 61 deaths by prescription narcotics in 2007, the most among Ohio's 88 counties.
The drugs involved include methadone, oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin) and morphine. Sedatives such as Valium, tranquilizers, anti-depressants and sleeping pills also are often abused, the agency said.
Costs associated with fatal drug overdoses, including medical, work and quality-of-life losses, add up to an estimated $3.6 billion a year in Ohio, the Health Department found. An additional $35.5 million in expenses resulted from nonfatal overdoses.
Paul Coleman, president of Maryhaven, a Columbus alcohol- and drug-treatment center, said a study done for the agency last year found that each $1 spent on treatment saved more than $11 in costs related to crime and medical expenses.
ajohnson@dispatch.com
Thursday, April 2, 2009 2:17 PM
By Alan Johnson
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
A new killer has quietly replaced traffic crashes as the No. 1 cause of accidental death in Ohio.
Unintentional poisoning deaths - nearly all of them drug overdoses - eclipsed traffic fatalities in both 2006 and 2007, the Ohio Department of Health reported. Numbers have not been released for last year.
Overdose deaths shot up 249 percent between 1999 and 2007. An average of three people now die each day in Ohio of drug overdoses.
The state agency calls it an epidemic.
In addition, heroin and synthetic opiates such as OxyContin have now replaced cocaine as the second-tier "drug of choice" among those seeking rehabilitation, treatment agencies are reporting. They rank behind only alcohol.
Officials gathered at a Statehouse news conference today said they are alarmed by both trends, given the backdrop of state budget cutbacks for drug-, alcohol- and mental-health treatment programs.
"We have a serious problem with opiate addiction," said Joe Trolian, executive director of the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Richland County.
"This is not just down-and-out people from the wrong side of town. This is high-school students that died in the family recreation room, athletes who thought they could take just one more pill, older adults who mix drugs and alcohol."
Cheri L. Walter, chief executive officer of the Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities, said that as funding evaporates, only those patients who qualify for Medicaid are certain to be served.
"Many Ohio counties have no funds left over to provide services to middle- or lower-income families who have minimal or no health-care benefits."
The Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services has $38 million in state money, twice as much as when it was created 20 years ago. However, it is treating 100,000 people instead of 40,000.
Health officials said opiates are "largely responsible for this alarming increase in drug-poisoning death rates." There is a direct relationship between increasing sales of prescription opiates and drug overdoses, they concluded.
Franklin County reported 61 deaths by prescription narcotics in 2007, the most among Ohio's 88 counties.
The drugs involved include methadone, oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin) and morphine. Sedatives such as Valium, tranquilizers, anti-depressants and sleeping pills also are often abused, the agency said.
Costs associated with fatal drug overdoses, including medical, work and quality-of-life losses, add up to an estimated $3.6 billion a year in Ohio, the Health Department found. An additional $35.5 million in expenses resulted from nonfatal overdoses.
Paul Coleman, president of Maryhaven, a Columbus alcohol- and drug-treatment center, said a study done for the agency last year found that each $1 spent on treatment saved more than $11 in costs related to crime and medical expenses.
ajohnson@dispatch.com
Monday, March 23, 2009
Infection hits close to home..Necrotizing fasciitis
Please keep this young man and his family in your prayers.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — An Upper Arlington high school senior remained in critical condition on Monday after he contracted a rare infection.
Blake Haxton lost both his legs to a flesh-eating bacteria, 10TV's Tino Ramos reported.
Haxton, 18, was coaching basketball in a recreation league tournament last week when he complained about pain in his lower leg. Within a short period, doctors found what appeared to be necrotizing fasciitis, a rare infection that spreads underneath the skin, Ramos reported.
Doctors had no choice but to amputate both legs.
Haxton, described by his coaches as one of the best high school rowers in the state, is recovering at The Ohio State University Medical Center.
"He is truly a model student," said Upper Arlington principal Kip Greenhill. "He's an excellent person, an excellent citizen in the school. He's very involved in school, a top academic student. You can't say enough good things about this boy."
According to Greenhill, Haxton's friends have been flooding into the hospital to wish him well.
Dr. Susan Koletar at The Ohio State University Medical Center said experts are not completely sure why people contract necrotizing fasciitis, 10TV's Lindsey Seavert reported.
"There is probably some immune defect that makes people more susceptible," Koletar said.
There was no word about how Haxton might have contracted the infection but 10TV News was told he was making progress.
On late Monday afternoon doctors said they were cautiously optimistic after Haxton's heart started to beat on its own and he was removed from life support, Seavert reported.
Watch 10TV News and refresh 10TV.com for additional information.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — An Upper Arlington high school senior remained in critical condition on Monday after he contracted a rare infection.
Blake Haxton lost both his legs to a flesh-eating bacteria, 10TV's Tino Ramos reported.
Haxton, 18, was coaching basketball in a recreation league tournament last week when he complained about pain in his lower leg. Within a short period, doctors found what appeared to be necrotizing fasciitis, a rare infection that spreads underneath the skin, Ramos reported.
Doctors had no choice but to amputate both legs.
Haxton, described by his coaches as one of the best high school rowers in the state, is recovering at The Ohio State University Medical Center.
"He is truly a model student," said Upper Arlington principal Kip Greenhill. "He's an excellent person, an excellent citizen in the school. He's very involved in school, a top academic student. You can't say enough good things about this boy."
According to Greenhill, Haxton's friends have been flooding into the hospital to wish him well.
Dr. Susan Koletar at The Ohio State University Medical Center said experts are not completely sure why people contract necrotizing fasciitis, 10TV's Lindsey Seavert reported.
"There is probably some immune defect that makes people more susceptible," Koletar said.
There was no word about how Haxton might have contracted the infection but 10TV News was told he was making progress.
On late Monday afternoon doctors said they were cautiously optimistic after Haxton's heart started to beat on its own and he was removed from life support, Seavert reported.
Watch 10TV News and refresh 10TV.com for additional information.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Will Congress Listen - What is the American Standard???
I am fed up the "American Standard" Listen UP!
Hospitals are not cleaning to the Standard -Who decides if the hospital is clean?????
Well in my state and most their is NO governing authority to make them report other than
by survey methods. Well listen up the public needs to do a better job reporting by survey, writing, email & telephone calls.
Standards don't specify how rooms should be cleaned or what bacterial levels are unacceptable.
So how is the world are they going to measure "Infection Rates" ???
I believe from my personal experience - I expect a CLEAN, STERILE Room during my stay at the hospital to be VITAL part of my patient care. Its NOT everyone standard of care.
Its just NOT acceptable to me -What do you think????
The CDC claims that 1.7 million people contract infections in U.S. hospitals each year.
Together we can make a difference!
Hospitals are not cleaning to the Standard -Who decides if the hospital is clean?????
Well in my state and most their is NO governing authority to make them report other than
by survey methods. Well listen up the public needs to do a better job reporting by survey, writing, email & telephone calls.
Standards don't specify how rooms should be cleaned or what bacterial levels are unacceptable.
So how is the world are they going to measure "Infection Rates" ???
I believe from my personal experience - I expect a CLEAN, STERILE Room during my stay at the hospital to be VITAL part of my patient care. Its NOT everyone standard of care.
Its just NOT acceptable to me -What do you think????
The CDC claims that 1.7 million people contract infections in U.S. hospitals each year.
Together we can make a difference!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
How much are you WORTH.......Health care for PROFIT!
This week, the new administration convenes a national summit about our nation's long overdue investment in health care -- an investment that will lead to new jobs, new industries, and a renewed ability to compete with the rest of the world.
Because we've let a broken system founder, we each spend more than ever for health coverage, and get less for it. While giant health insurance companies pay their CEOs huge bonuses and rake in fat profits -- about $13 billion last year -- we get nickel-and-dimed for every treatment. Small businesses struggle to survive.
If we keep letting the big insurance companies run the show, our health care system will remain, like Wall Street, broke and unreliable.
Tell your lawmakers to come together now and make the long overdue investment in affordable health choices.
This week's summit is a bipartisan first step towards fixing our economy by fixing our health care system. Join millions of other Americans today -- part of a national coordinated action -- to tell Congress to give us relief from unaffordable health care costs and unreliable insurance coverage.
As unemployment hits new highs, each layoff from those companies that offer insurance means another family without coverage. Small businesses which create two thirds of all new jobs are getting hammered by health care costs, further dragging down our economy. And the millions of Americans who work hard and still have insurance end up paying more for care because others can’t afford to pay at all.
Tell Congress to get our economy moving by taking the worry out of health coverage.
If we want to put people before profit in these hard times, then we need new health care options, and we need to ask for it right now. Your voice, joined by millions of others TODAY, can let our leaders know we won’t stand by any longer while the big insurance companies dictate our health care and costs. So HOW MUCH ARE YOU WORTH? Please take action.....
Because we've let a broken system founder, we each spend more than ever for health coverage, and get less for it. While giant health insurance companies pay their CEOs huge bonuses and rake in fat profits -- about $13 billion last year -- we get nickel-and-dimed for every treatment. Small businesses struggle to survive.
If we keep letting the big insurance companies run the show, our health care system will remain, like Wall Street, broke and unreliable.
Tell your lawmakers to come together now and make the long overdue investment in affordable health choices.
This week's summit is a bipartisan first step towards fixing our economy by fixing our health care system. Join millions of other Americans today -- part of a national coordinated action -- to tell Congress to give us relief from unaffordable health care costs and unreliable insurance coverage.
As unemployment hits new highs, each layoff from those companies that offer insurance means another family without coverage. Small businesses which create two thirds of all new jobs are getting hammered by health care costs, further dragging down our economy. And the millions of Americans who work hard and still have insurance end up paying more for care because others can’t afford to pay at all.
Tell Congress to get our economy moving by taking the worry out of health coverage.
If we want to put people before profit in these hard times, then we need new health care options, and we need to ask for it right now. Your voice, joined by millions of others TODAY, can let our leaders know we won’t stand by any longer while the big insurance companies dictate our health care and costs. So HOW MUCH ARE YOU WORTH? Please take action.....
Monday, March 2, 2009
My new BFF Gov. Kathleen Sebelius going to the White House
AP – President Barack Obama introduces Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius as his nominee for Health and Human Services ...
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama's choice to lead the Health and Human Services Department has a history of bucking the insurance industry, which faces the biggest hit under Obama's initial health care reform plan.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/09/03/02/Sebelius-at-HHS/
****Governor Sebelius is going to be the woman to watch & make monumental changes in policy & government in 2009 upon her confirmation. I am very excited to see her in action.
Just my personal prediction to influence health care and close the gap on insurance for the nation. I told you so. Best wishes, Kacia Warren
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama's choice to lead the Health and Human Services Department has a history of bucking the insurance industry, which faces the biggest hit under Obama's initial health care reform plan.
Visit the white house blog -
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/09/03/02/Sebelius-at-HHS/
****Governor Sebelius is going to be the woman to watch & make monumental changes in policy & government in 2009 upon her confirmation. I am very excited to see her in action.
Just my personal prediction to influence health care and close the gap on insurance for the nation. I told you so. Best wishes, Kacia Warren
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
WASH your HANDS!!!!!
HOLY COW!!! This will shock you. Watch the video and pass it along.
http://media2.foxnews.com/112008/worm_tumor_700.wmv
The simplest of universal precautions - handwashing!
http://media2.foxnews.com/112008/worm_tumor_700.wmv
The simplest of universal precautions - handwashing!
I am telling "Ohio's Dirty little secret" & advocating to change the law!
I am out of patience with the government & hospitals NOT acknowledging
the facts and statistics of Hospital Infections in Ohio. It is outrageous!
I know one thing for certian. One voice can make a difference and so can a blog! I am living proof.
Check this out go to : http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/3727
Thursday, February 19, 2009
On a wing & a prayer.......GET Inspired!
Do you ever feel like no-one is listening to you.......that when you tell your story it is unbelievable? Today I feel gratitude & inspired that I can tell my story - that is true and accurate to the public and help change & save lives.
Do you know the Oprah show of simple abundance? I somehow feel like it is taking part in my life and unfolding right before my eyes. Oprah insists on doing the simplest things that create change around you will bring you joy, blessings and knowing how grateful you really are.
Today I received an email that has made a huge impact in my life. I note of validation, gratitude and knowing that I really have made others read, think and make a change to help others in our
battle to save lives by reporting negative gram bacteria to the public. I am grateful & blessed!
My journey started out of frustration that no one listens.....so I should be careful what you wish for, dreams do come true. I am living proof. My biggest dream is to make an impact, just enough to change a law. My largest obstacle, no one wants to change or inform the public. It is very political and a grass roots organization of a mother on a mission is not enough, to get people in government offices to listen. I started writing letters, searching the internet and looking for people in my area for news articles and death certificates knowing that their others, if I could just find them, their is a voice in numbers. Time will tell.
Do you know the Oprah show of simple abundance? I somehow feel like it is taking part in my life and unfolding right before my eyes. Oprah insists on doing the simplest things that create change around you will bring you joy, blessings and knowing how grateful you really are.
Today I received an email that has made a huge impact in my life. I note of validation, gratitude and knowing that I really have made others read, think and make a change to help others in our
battle to save lives by reporting negative gram bacteria to the public. I am grateful & blessed!
My journey started out of frustration that no one listens.....so I should be careful what you wish for, dreams do come true. I am living proof. My biggest dream is to make an impact, just enough to change a law. My largest obstacle, no one wants to change or inform the public. It is very political and a grass roots organization of a mother on a mission is not enough, to get people in government offices to listen. I started writing letters, searching the internet and looking for people in my area for news articles and death certificates knowing that their others, if I could just find them, their is a voice in numbers. Time will tell.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Published National News - Deadly bacteria
Today I feel validated as my story is published in the Los Angeles Times.
Alerting the public to telling others "It can happen to you"
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-sci-badbugs17-2009feb17,0,7454003.story
Deadly bacteria defy drugs, alarming doctors
A new category of bugs becomes more resistant to treatment, and their toll -- which already includes a Brazilian beauty queen -- is expected to rise.By Mary EngelFebruary 17, 2009
When Ruth Burns had surgery to relieve a pinched nerve in her back, the operation was supposed to be an "in-and-out thing," recalled her daughter, Kacia Warren. But Burns developed pneumonia and was put on a ventilator.
Five days later, she was discharged -- only to be rushed by her daughter to the hospital hours later, disoriented and in alarming pain.
Seventeen days after the surgery, the 67-year-old nurse was dead.Burns had developed meningitis -- an infection of the fluid that surrounds the spinal cord and brain. The culprit wasAcinetobacter baumannii, a bug that preys on the weak in hospitals. Worse, it was a multi-drug-resistant strain.
Acinetobacter doesn't garner as many headlines as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, the dangerous superbug better known as MRSA. But a January report by the Infectious Diseases Society of America warned that drug-resistant strains of Acinetobacter baumannii and two other microbes -- Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae -- could soon produce a toll to rival MRSA's.The three bugs belong to a large category of bacteria called "gram-negative" that are especially hard to fight because they are wrapped in a double membrane and harbor enzymes that chew up many antibiotics.
As dangerous as MRSA is, some antibiotics can still treat it, and more are in development, experts say. But the drugs once used to treat gram-negative bacteria are becoming ineffective, and finding effective new ones is especially challenging. "We're literally running out of drugs to treat gram-negatives," said Dr. Brad Spellberg, an infectious disease specialist at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. "And there is nothing in the pipeline right now."Exact numbers are hard to come by, because infections by these three bacteria are not reportable by law.
But using 2002 data voluntarily reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from about 300 large, mostly urban hospitals, the Infectious Diseases Society of America identified about 104,000 gram-negative infections that were resistant to at least some antibiotics, roughly the same as the 102,000 MRSA infections found that year.
A class of broad-spectrum antibiotics known as carbapenems have been the drug of last resort for gram-negative bugs."The carbapenems are . . . the best gram-negative drugs we have," said Dr. Helen Boucher of Tufts University, an infectious disease specialist. "These bugs have found a way to make an enzyme that dissolves these drugs. That means our best gun is ineffective."As the drugs fail, doctors find themselves as a last resort turning to older, more toxic ones such as colistin, largely abandoned because of the severe side effects: kidney damage and deafness.
At one East Coast hospital, the number of orders doctors made for colistin went from one in 2001 to 68 in 2007, Boucher said."This is a drug that's like poison," she said.For the most part, gram-negative bacteria are hospital scourges -- harmless to healthy people but ready to infect already-damaged tissue. The bacteria steal into the body via ventilator tubes, catheters, open wounds and burns, causing pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and bone, joint and bloodstream infections. Pseudomonas is widely found in soil and water, and rarely causes problems except in hospitals. Klebsiella causes a sudden, severe pneumonia, mostly in people already suffering from ailments such as diabetes or chronic lung disease. Its telltale sign is a blood-tinged sputum dubbed "currant jelly." It can also cause urinary tract and abdominal infections.
Acinetobacter generally causes wound and bloodstream infections. It has become notorious among veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. They are believed to have contracted it in field hospitals and carried it to veterans hospitals in the U.S.The first U.S. outbreak of Klebsiella resistant to all known antibiotics occurred at a Brooklyn hospital in 2000. The so-called pan-resistant strain has since been found along the Eastern Seaboard and throughout the Midwest. A December report of Israeli hospitals found mortality rates from pan-resistant Klebsiella to be 44%. Doctors have no doubt that pan-resistant Klebsiella will show up in California and other states. California hospitals are already encountering strains that, although not resistant to all known antibiotics, are resistant to many. Harbor-UCLA had two cases of highly-drug-resistant Klebsiella last year, Spellberg said.Similarly resistant strains of Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter also are on the rise, as are resistant strains of Escherichia coli, another gram-negative bacterium. These four microbes are among the six leading causes of infections in hospitals, nursing homes and other healthcare settings, the Infectious Diseases Society of America reported. The bacteria have remained largely off the public's radar, Boucher said, because they affect mostly the elderly or ill. But they do not always limit themselves that way.
Drug-resistant Pseudomonas was behind the widely publicized Jan. 24 death of Brazilian beauty queen Mariana Bridi, 20, of sepsis -- a bloodstream infection. The health department in Espirito Santo, Brazil, said what began as a urinary tract infection spread rapidly. Bridi died after doctors had tried to contain the rampaging infection by amputating her feet and hands and removing her kidneys.
mary.engel@latimes.com
Alerting the public to telling others "It can happen to you"
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-sci-badbugs17-2009feb17,0,7454003.story
Deadly bacteria defy drugs, alarming doctors
A new category of bugs becomes more resistant to treatment, and their toll -- which already includes a Brazilian beauty queen -- is expected to rise.By Mary EngelFebruary 17, 2009
When Ruth Burns had surgery to relieve a pinched nerve in her back, the operation was supposed to be an "in-and-out thing," recalled her daughter, Kacia Warren. But Burns developed pneumonia and was put on a ventilator.
Five days later, she was discharged -- only to be rushed by her daughter to the hospital hours later, disoriented and in alarming pain.
Seventeen days after the surgery, the 67-year-old nurse was dead.Burns had developed meningitis -- an infection of the fluid that surrounds the spinal cord and brain. The culprit wasAcinetobacter baumannii, a bug that preys on the weak in hospitals. Worse, it was a multi-drug-resistant strain.
Acinetobacter doesn't garner as many headlines as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, the dangerous superbug better known as MRSA. But a January report by the Infectious Diseases Society of America warned that drug-resistant strains of Acinetobacter baumannii and two other microbes -- Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae -- could soon produce a toll to rival MRSA's.The three bugs belong to a large category of bacteria called "gram-negative" that are especially hard to fight because they are wrapped in a double membrane and harbor enzymes that chew up many antibiotics.
As dangerous as MRSA is, some antibiotics can still treat it, and more are in development, experts say. But the drugs once used to treat gram-negative bacteria are becoming ineffective, and finding effective new ones is especially challenging. "We're literally running out of drugs to treat gram-negatives," said Dr. Brad Spellberg, an infectious disease specialist at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. "And there is nothing in the pipeline right now."Exact numbers are hard to come by, because infections by these three bacteria are not reportable by law.
But using 2002 data voluntarily reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from about 300 large, mostly urban hospitals, the Infectious Diseases Society of America identified about 104,000 gram-negative infections that were resistant to at least some antibiotics, roughly the same as the 102,000 MRSA infections found that year.
A class of broad-spectrum antibiotics known as carbapenems have been the drug of last resort for gram-negative bugs."The carbapenems are . . . the best gram-negative drugs we have," said Dr. Helen Boucher of Tufts University, an infectious disease specialist. "These bugs have found a way to make an enzyme that dissolves these drugs. That means our best gun is ineffective."As the drugs fail, doctors find themselves as a last resort turning to older, more toxic ones such as colistin, largely abandoned because of the severe side effects: kidney damage and deafness.
At one East Coast hospital, the number of orders doctors made for colistin went from one in 2001 to 68 in 2007, Boucher said."This is a drug that's like poison," she said.For the most part, gram-negative bacteria are hospital scourges -- harmless to healthy people but ready to infect already-damaged tissue. The bacteria steal into the body via ventilator tubes, catheters, open wounds and burns, causing pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and bone, joint and bloodstream infections. Pseudomonas is widely found in soil and water, and rarely causes problems except in hospitals. Klebsiella causes a sudden, severe pneumonia, mostly in people already suffering from ailments such as diabetes or chronic lung disease. Its telltale sign is a blood-tinged sputum dubbed "currant jelly." It can also cause urinary tract and abdominal infections.
Acinetobacter generally causes wound and bloodstream infections. It has become notorious among veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. They are believed to have contracted it in field hospitals and carried it to veterans hospitals in the U.S.The first U.S. outbreak of Klebsiella resistant to all known antibiotics occurred at a Brooklyn hospital in 2000. The so-called pan-resistant strain has since been found along the Eastern Seaboard and throughout the Midwest. A December report of Israeli hospitals found mortality rates from pan-resistant Klebsiella to be 44%. Doctors have no doubt that pan-resistant Klebsiella will show up in California and other states. California hospitals are already encountering strains that, although not resistant to all known antibiotics, are resistant to many. Harbor-UCLA had two cases of highly-drug-resistant Klebsiella last year, Spellberg said.Similarly resistant strains of Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter also are on the rise, as are resistant strains of Escherichia coli, another gram-negative bacterium. These four microbes are among the six leading causes of infections in hospitals, nursing homes and other healthcare settings, the Infectious Diseases Society of America reported. The bacteria have remained largely off the public's radar, Boucher said, because they affect mostly the elderly or ill. But they do not always limit themselves that way.
Drug-resistant Pseudomonas was behind the widely publicized Jan. 24 death of Brazilian beauty queen Mariana Bridi, 20, of sepsis -- a bloodstream infection. The health department in Espirito Santo, Brazil, said what began as a urinary tract infection spread rapidly. Bridi died after doctors had tried to contain the rampaging infection by amputating her feet and hands and removing her kidneys.
mary.engel@latimes.com
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Legal Representation - Deadline April 2009
The statute of liamitations are about to expire April 22, 2009 for a wrongful death claim.
After careful consideration and review, I have been declined by 16 law firms for the
"Alleged Medical malpractice incident of the death of my mother, Laura Ruth Burns"
Do you call death in 17 days - "Alleged"
or Everyone is employed by "Ohio Health" we won't point the finger in the circle of PROFIT.
or better yet - Let's tell congress to change the LAW in OHIO -make a change
Twenty five states have led the way with laws to give their citizens this important patient safety information and four states have passed MRSA screening laws. It's time for Congress to join this national movement to prevent the spread of infections in our hospitals and communities.
Go to:https://secure.consumersunion.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=1989
Fill in the blanks to make a difference in OHIO
After careful consideration and review, I have been declined by 16 law firms for the
"Alleged Medical malpractice incident of the death of my mother, Laura Ruth Burns"
Do you call death in 17 days - "Alleged"
or Everyone is employed by "Ohio Health" we won't point the finger in the circle of PROFIT.
or better yet - Let's tell congress to change the LAW in OHIO -make a change
Twenty five states have led the way with laws to give their citizens this important patient safety information and four states have passed MRSA screening laws. It's time for Congress to join this national movement to prevent the spread of infections in our hospitals and communities.
Go to:https://secure.consumersunion.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=1989
Fill in the blanks to make a difference in OHIO
Tell your story -
Kacia Warren: Last November, you contacted Consumers Union’s Stop Hospital Infections campaign (www.StopHospitalInfections.org) and told us about the Acinetobacter baumanni infection your mother died from after outpatient surgery for a laminectomy. I am so sorry to hear about what your mother went through and for your loss. We really appreciate hearing from you because it helps us to better understand how devastating hospital infections can be and how urgent it is to push hospitals to improve patient care.
We were recently contacted by a reporter at the Los Angeles Times who is writing a story on antibiotic-resistant infections like the one your mother developed in the hospital. The reporter is interested in interviewing people who have suffered from these infections or those who have lost loved ones to them. News stories like this one help us to raise public awareness about hospital acquired infections and help support our efforts to improve patient safety.
I’m writing to see if you might be willing to be interviewed about your mother’s story. If so, please provide me with a phone number and the best time to reach you.
Thanks in advance for your support.
We were recently contacted by a reporter at the Los Angeles Times who is writing a story on antibiotic-resistant infections like the one your mother developed in the hospital. The reporter is interested in interviewing people who have suffered from these infections or those who have lost loved ones to them. News stories like this one help us to raise public awareness about hospital acquired infections and help support our efforts to improve patient safety.
I’m writing to see if you might be willing to be interviewed about your mother’s story. If so, please provide me with a phone number and the best time to reach you.
Thanks in advance for your support.
Do you trust your hospital????
Over the last two weeks, I have been asking people: Do you trust your hospital??????
While at the Dr. last week, he asks: So how has your last year been?
I am sure my face gave it away before the words pour out like this........
Well I have suffered a major catastrophic event...My Mother passed - he responds...parents die.
I am sure the fear of God look, gave him some concern, and the welling of tears - my brain thinking "How dare You" My response was a little combative - I don't trust Dr's or hospitals.
So are you in grief counseling? Yes, I have read 15 books, counseling, writing & educating because of the impact it has made on me, I want to educate others of the risks of infection in hospitals to help reduce the death rate of healthy people.
I know this sounds a little crazy, but it was the best advice I have heard in a long time.
His response, the public does not want to know! I am a Dr, and I don't know the % rates.
The public goes to the hospital for treatment to get better, and they don't think or care about the negative until it directly effects them. Good-Bad or in-different. I bet if you surveyed 20 people they will tell you they don't care or know where the information is recorded or how to obtain it - to know what their risks are. Its so true - SAD but true and only challenges me more
he hit a fire under me like no other motivation I have had in such a long time.
When one door closes a window of opportunity opens!!!!
While at the Dr. last week, he asks: So how has your last year been?
I am sure my face gave it away before the words pour out like this........
Well I have suffered a major catastrophic event...My Mother passed - he responds...parents die.
I am sure the fear of God look, gave him some concern, and the welling of tears - my brain thinking "How dare You" My response was a little combative - I don't trust Dr's or hospitals.
So are you in grief counseling? Yes, I have read 15 books, counseling, writing & educating because of the impact it has made on me, I want to educate others of the risks of infection in hospitals to help reduce the death rate of healthy people.
I know this sounds a little crazy, but it was the best advice I have heard in a long time.
His response, the public does not want to know! I am a Dr, and I don't know the % rates.
The public goes to the hospital for treatment to get better, and they don't think or care about the negative until it directly effects them. Good-Bad or in-different. I bet if you surveyed 20 people they will tell you they don't care or know where the information is recorded or how to obtain it - to know what their risks are. Its so true - SAD but true and only challenges me more
he hit a fire under me like no other motivation I have had in such a long time.
When one door closes a window of opportunity opens!!!!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Spread the word about Peanut-Butter - It could save lives!!!!
Seven people have died, hundreds have become sick, and millions more are at risk -- from peanut butter! Coming on the heels of jalapeno, spinach, and pet food recalls, we need to prevent contamination at the source.
King Nut and Parnell's Pride peanut butter, produced in a single Georgia factory, were found to be contaminated with a potentially deadly strain of salmonella and are now being recalled nationwide.
These brands, not sold in supermarkets, are widely used in nursing homes, schools, hospitals and other institutions that care for our most vulnerable family members. The plant also produces a paste used in Keebler peanut butter cookies and more than 100 other popular snacks.
Today, we underfund prevention and then spend millions to try and recall food already distributed across the nation. This makes no sense. We must ensure regular and appropriate inspection of production facilities, and efficient tracking once food has been distributed. This means a major overhaul of the FDA's food safety program.
Tell Congress that we need a major overhaul of the Food and Drug Administration!
King Nut and Parnell's Pride peanut butter, produced in a single Georgia factory, were found to be contaminated with a potentially deadly strain of salmonella and are now being recalled nationwide.
These brands, not sold in supermarkets, are widely used in nursing homes, schools, hospitals and other institutions that care for our most vulnerable family members. The plant also produces a paste used in Keebler peanut butter cookies and more than 100 other popular snacks.
Today, we underfund prevention and then spend millions to try and recall food already distributed across the nation. This makes no sense. We must ensure regular and appropriate inspection of production facilities, and efficient tracking once food has been distributed. This means a major overhaul of the FDA's food safety program.
Tell Congress that we need a major overhaul of the Food and Drug Administration!
Drug-resistant ward bug concern - BBC News
Hospitals need to be vigilant against an emerging drug-resistant bacterium Acinetobacter baumannii, infection control experts have warned.
Like MRSA and Clostridium difficile, the bacterium poses the greatest risk to seriously ill patients.
Rates of resistance to antibiotics that halt the bug currently stand at 30%, Lancet Infectious Diseases reports.
The journal report authors said the infection was a growing public health worry across the world.
Measures in the UK to control MRSA and other "hospital-acquired infections" should also bring down Acinetobacter rates, experts said.
It is important that Trusts remain vigilant in their treatment of this and all healthcare associated infections
A spokeswoman for the Health Protection Agency
Acinetobacter shares many of the "superbug" properties of MRSA and Clostridium difficile, such as survival on surfaces and resistance to disinfectants. This makes it difficult to eradicate from wards once it is there, experts say.
Typically, the bacterium causes bloodstream infections, pneumonia or infection of a wound.
It can be carried on the skin of healthy people and can be passed to patients by poor hand hygiene.
It also survives in dust and on objects such as bedding for months, making rigorous cleaning of wards essential to control its spread.
The strains of Acinetobacter that are resistant to standard treatments can be treated with other antibiotics, however, and the bug does not usually pose a threat to healthy people.
Vigilance
Strict hygiene compliance and more thorough research into drug choice, especially those for multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, are vital to prevent major outbreaks, say the report authors Professor Matthew Falagas and Dr Drosos Karageorgopoulos, of the Alfa Institute of Biomedical Sciences in Athens, Greece.
In the UK, the numbers of Acinetobacter bloodstream infections reported to the Health Protection Agency via its voluntary surveillance scheme increased by 5.4% between 2003 and 2007 to 1,187 reports.
We mustn't be complacent but currently its impact can be geographically constrained
Dr Andrew Berrington, a consultant microbiologist at Sunderland Royal Hospital
But the HPA says this increase could be due to increased awareness and reporting rather than a true rise in infection rates.
A spokeswoman for the Health Protection Agency said: "Acinetobacter can cause problems in those who are already seriously ill with weakened immune systems.
"Although we do see some outbreaks of this infection in the UK, numbers of cases are fortunately small.
"Transmission of this infection can be reduced by careful attention to infection control procedures such as cohort nursing groups, hand hygiene and environmental cleaning. It is important that trusts remain vigilant in their treatment of this and all healthcare associated infections."
She said the HPA had no plans to make the reporting of cases mandatory, largely because it is not deemed to be as great a threat as the notifiable hospital-acquired infections such as MRSA and C.difficile.
Professor Richard James, director of the Centre for Healthcare Associated Infections at Nottingham University, said: "If we could overnight solve the problems of hospital infections caused by C.difficile and MRSA then there are other potential superbugs like Acinetobacter baumannii lying in wait.
"Hospitals are full of sick patients and very fit bacteria that will spread from patient to patient unless infection control measures are up to the challenge.
"Acinetobacter baumannii, multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and extremely drug resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) are examples of new threats to public health that are already causing serious problems in other countries."
Dr Andrew Berrington, a consultant microbiologist at Sunderland Royal Hospital, said there was little evidence to suggest outbreaks of Acinetobacter were becoming more common in the UK.
"We mustn't be complacent but currently its impact can be geographically constrained - some hospitals struggle to control outbreaks, others see very little of it."
Like MRSA and Clostridium difficile, the bacterium poses the greatest risk to seriously ill patients.
Rates of resistance to antibiotics that halt the bug currently stand at 30%, Lancet Infectious Diseases reports.
The journal report authors said the infection was a growing public health worry across the world.
Measures in the UK to control MRSA and other "hospital-acquired infections" should also bring down Acinetobacter rates, experts said.
It is important that Trusts remain vigilant in their treatment of this and all healthcare associated infections
A spokeswoman for the Health Protection Agency
Acinetobacter shares many of the "superbug" properties of MRSA and Clostridium difficile, such as survival on surfaces and resistance to disinfectants. This makes it difficult to eradicate from wards once it is there, experts say.
Typically, the bacterium causes bloodstream infections, pneumonia or infection of a wound.
It can be carried on the skin of healthy people and can be passed to patients by poor hand hygiene.
It also survives in dust and on objects such as bedding for months, making rigorous cleaning of wards essential to control its spread.
The strains of Acinetobacter that are resistant to standard treatments can be treated with other antibiotics, however, and the bug does not usually pose a threat to healthy people.
Vigilance
Strict hygiene compliance and more thorough research into drug choice, especially those for multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, are vital to prevent major outbreaks, say the report authors Professor Matthew Falagas and Dr Drosos Karageorgopoulos, of the Alfa Institute of Biomedical Sciences in Athens, Greece.
In the UK, the numbers of Acinetobacter bloodstream infections reported to the Health Protection Agency via its voluntary surveillance scheme increased by 5.4% between 2003 and 2007 to 1,187 reports.
We mustn't be complacent but currently its impact can be geographically constrained
Dr Andrew Berrington, a consultant microbiologist at Sunderland Royal Hospital
But the HPA says this increase could be due to increased awareness and reporting rather than a true rise in infection rates.
A spokeswoman for the Health Protection Agency said: "Acinetobacter can cause problems in those who are already seriously ill with weakened immune systems.
"Although we do see some outbreaks of this infection in the UK, numbers of cases are fortunately small.
"Transmission of this infection can be reduced by careful attention to infection control procedures such as cohort nursing groups, hand hygiene and environmental cleaning. It is important that trusts remain vigilant in their treatment of this and all healthcare associated infections."
She said the HPA had no plans to make the reporting of cases mandatory, largely because it is not deemed to be as great a threat as the notifiable hospital-acquired infections such as MRSA and C.difficile.
Professor Richard James, director of the Centre for Healthcare Associated Infections at Nottingham University, said: "If we could overnight solve the problems of hospital infections caused by C.difficile and MRSA then there are other potential superbugs like Acinetobacter baumannii lying in wait.
"Hospitals are full of sick patients and very fit bacteria that will spread from patient to patient unless infection control measures are up to the challenge.
"Acinetobacter baumannii, multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and extremely drug resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) are examples of new threats to public health that are already causing serious problems in other countries."
Dr Andrew Berrington, a consultant microbiologist at Sunderland Royal Hospital, said there was little evidence to suggest outbreaks of Acinetobacter were becoming more common in the UK.
"We mustn't be complacent but currently its impact can be geographically constrained - some hospitals struggle to control outbreaks, others see very little of it."
Ohio hospital infection rates -----Will be public information.
Your right to learn infection rates at Ohio hospitals survives bid to stop it in legislature.by Harlan Spector/Plain Dealer Reporter
Friday December 19, 2008, 12:51 PM
Ohio hospitals will be required to report infection information to consumers, despite an attempt by the Ohio Hospital Association to stop it.
The hospital group had tried to push through legislation that would curtail recommendations for public reporting of patient care. The Hospital Measures Advisory Council, created by a 2006 law, recommended hospitals disclose common infections, and whether facilities are vigilant about hand-washing and other practices that reduce infection risk. Earlier this month, Springboro Republican Rep. Shannon Jones introduced an amendment that would invalidate much of the council's work. The amendment, attached to an unrelated Senate bill, passed in the House Health Committee. But both the House and the Senate struck it this week after the Ohio health director and others complained that it undermined efforts to inform Ohio consumers.
The advisory council spent 13 months on the reporting requirements, which are groundbreaking for Ohio. Hospitals everywhere face growing demand for accountability of their clinical care and infection rates. Under the plan, hospitals will report on a consumer Web site data on surgical wound infections, antibiotic-resistant staph and clostridium difficile (C. diff), a type of intestinal infection that has risen sharply in recent years. "I am thrilled the work of the Hospital Measures Advisory Council can continue unhampered," Ohio Health Director Dr. Alvin Jackson said in a prepared statement Thursday. The reporting measures "truly provide Ohioans with the information they want and need to make an informed decision on where to receive care," he said. Reporting is expected to start in 2009 and be available on the Web starting in January 2010, the health department said. It first goes through a health department rule-making process. A hospital association spokeswoman said the group is looking forward to working with the health department and advisory panel. Officials said some minor changes the hospital group sought were maintained in the legislation. But the controversial elements are gone, said state Sen. Kirk Schuring, a Canton Republican and member of the advisory panel. The attempt to thwart the reporting measures "violated the integrity of the good work of the Hospital Measures Advisory Council," he said.
Friday December 19, 2008, 12:51 PM
Ohio hospitals will be required to report infection information to consumers, despite an attempt by the Ohio Hospital Association to stop it.
The hospital group had tried to push through legislation that would curtail recommendations for public reporting of patient care. The Hospital Measures Advisory Council, created by a 2006 law, recommended hospitals disclose common infections, and whether facilities are vigilant about hand-washing and other practices that reduce infection risk. Earlier this month, Springboro Republican Rep. Shannon Jones introduced an amendment that would invalidate much of the council's work. The amendment, attached to an unrelated Senate bill, passed in the House Health Committee. But both the House and the Senate struck it this week after the Ohio health director and others complained that it undermined efforts to inform Ohio consumers.
The advisory council spent 13 months on the reporting requirements, which are groundbreaking for Ohio. Hospitals everywhere face growing demand for accountability of their clinical care and infection rates. Under the plan, hospitals will report on a consumer Web site data on surgical wound infections, antibiotic-resistant staph and clostridium difficile (C. diff), a type of intestinal infection that has risen sharply in recent years. "I am thrilled the work of the Hospital Measures Advisory Council can continue unhampered," Ohio Health Director Dr. Alvin Jackson said in a prepared statement Thursday. The reporting measures "truly provide Ohioans with the information they want and need to make an informed decision on where to receive care," he said. Reporting is expected to start in 2009 and be available on the Web starting in January 2010, the health department said. It first goes through a health department rule-making process. A hospital association spokeswoman said the group is looking forward to working with the health department and advisory panel. Officials said some minor changes the hospital group sought were maintained in the legislation. But the controversial elements are gone, said state Sen. Kirk Schuring, a Canton Republican and member of the advisory panel. The attempt to thwart the reporting measures "violated the integrity of the good work of the Hospital Measures Advisory Council," he said.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Grant Medical Center - Trauma - Columbus, OH
I received a letter today from Grant Hospital, Columbus, Ohio responding to the QA survey that I sent after the death of my Mom. You know the standard form they provide regarding your experience at the hospital.
You will be surprised and shocked as I was regarding the content. Did you know.....the hospital is so perfect they could not find ONE single thing from improving there ability to assign a room from surgery without waiting 4 hours. Supervision of a technician whom is assisting a patient who just had back surgery, without a gain belt, or walker or assistance. My biggest compliant, not putting the call button where it can be reached to call for help. Unbelievable!
I know and work in the health care field. I am not a profectionist by any means. I only want the hospital to take responsibility for their actions and lack of that killed my loved one.
Once again the hospital is NOT telling the public the truth. They have a ton of money to do radio and television advertisements to tell you how "Wonderful" it is. LIARS!!!!!!
If they had to report the infection rate to the public - It's amazing that the hospital would be open to serve the sick. That is my opinion, I have experienced it.
**I know that all hospitals and care centers have amazing staff and medical providers**They are angels sent to heal others, I know my Mom, was a nurse! It's a gift
This is the most frustrating part of healing. Dealing with the administrative people, who have no idea what you just experienced. They are very condescending with little regard that "They" are only doing their job to make it better. So when you get a phone call or letter from the hospital it really hits home, the reality of it SUCKS! and life moves on in your desperate attempt to put your life together and breath ---trying to function and move on.
So when you get a survey, TAKE the time to report your concerns and ways they can make improvements and make the hospital QA dept earn there money. Responding to the people.
Possibly, they would make a positive change to serve others in a healthly respectful manner.
You will be surprised and shocked as I was regarding the content. Did you know.....the hospital is so perfect they could not find ONE single thing from improving there ability to assign a room from surgery without waiting 4 hours. Supervision of a technician whom is assisting a patient who just had back surgery, without a gain belt, or walker or assistance. My biggest compliant, not putting the call button where it can be reached to call for help. Unbelievable!
I know and work in the health care field. I am not a profectionist by any means. I only want the hospital to take responsibility for their actions and lack of that killed my loved one.
Once again the hospital is NOT telling the public the truth. They have a ton of money to do radio and television advertisements to tell you how "Wonderful" it is. LIARS!!!!!!
If they had to report the infection rate to the public - It's amazing that the hospital would be open to serve the sick. That is my opinion, I have experienced it.
**I know that all hospitals and care centers have amazing staff and medical providers**They are angels sent to heal others, I know my Mom, was a nurse! It's a gift
This is the most frustrating part of healing. Dealing with the administrative people, who have no idea what you just experienced. They are very condescending with little regard that "They" are only doing their job to make it better. So when you get a phone call or letter from the hospital it really hits home, the reality of it SUCKS! and life moves on in your desperate attempt to put your life together and breath ---trying to function and move on.
So when you get a survey, TAKE the time to report your concerns and ways they can make improvements and make the hospital QA dept earn there money. Responding to the people.
Possibly, they would make a positive change to serve others in a healthly respectful manner.
Looking for Ohio Surviors- Please respond your NOT alone!
I am looking for healing and educating others whom have suffered and lossed a loved one from an Infectious Disease. I lost my Mother in 17 days, it can happen to anyone who is treated in an infected hospital and and you many not even know or realize until they pass.
I was notified of the infection- resulting in 72 hours of hope, treatment & praying for a drugs to work. The reality of knowing that your loved one is dying and there is nothing you can do.
I did everything i my power and resources to grant her wishes to pass with dignity. I know we are not the one in a million in Columbus, OH. I see postings but have not made contact with others in my area.
To use what I know to tell others of the dangers in the hospital and educate others and change the Ohio laws. That is my goal. If I can help one person and provide support to a family in need. I will be paying it forward in "Ruth's name, because she always gave to others.
Please send me your experiences, share your knowledge and educate me.
Best wishes for a positive and healthy New Year!
I was notified of the infection- resulting in 72 hours of hope, treatment & praying for a drugs to work. The reality of knowing that your loved one is dying and there is nothing you can do.
I did everything i my power and resources to grant her wishes to pass with dignity. I know we are not the one in a million in Columbus, OH. I see postings but have not made contact with others in my area.
To use what I know to tell others of the dangers in the hospital and educate others and change the Ohio laws. That is my goal. If I can help one person and provide support to a family in need. I will be paying it forward in "Ruth's name, because she always gave to others.
Please send me your experiences, share your knowledge and educate me.
Best wishes for a positive and healthy New Year!
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