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According to a report in the Sunday edition of The Chicago Tribune,
mistakes by hospital nurses are causing thousands of deaths and
injuries each year.
Since 1995, at least 1,720 hospital patients
have been accidentally killed and 9,584 others injured from the
actions or inaction of registered nurses across the country
Investigators examined hospital records and
found that the deaths and injuries were due to several causes, including:
Chicago Tribune staff writer Michael J. Berens
reports on this issue, bringing to light some of the ramifications
of cost-cutting measures around the US, which has problems with
staff shortages.
Not having enough staff means covering more
patients than before, as well as working longer hours. Hospitals
have also been reported to encourage nurse assistants to perform
duties beyond their scope of training.
The American Nurses Association issued a statement
saying that there is a crucial need for research to explore the
relationship of staffing levels and the number of medical mistakes.
DR. MERCOLAS
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