Veterans hospitals under investigation

Medical malpractice can take many forms and occur in a myriad of situations for Pennsylvania residents. Pharmaceutical errors can involve pharmacy staff, physicians or even drug manufacturers. Surgical errors can happen in hospitals or in out-patient clinics. A failure to diagnose can leave a patient searching for far too long to the true reason for symptoms and sometimes result in a far more serious problem than was originally at hand.

Our nation’s military veterans commonly receive healthcare at veteran’s hospitals. Currently there are 26 such facilities that are under investigation for problems with scheduling patients that may have led to serious complications or other issues. Two personnel at a veteran’s hospital in Durham, NC have been placed on leave during the course of the investigation. It is not known if any other staff members have been temporarily removed from their job duties.

The National Commander in Chief of Veterans of Foreign Wars is focusing on the misconduct and stating his views that accountability must increase for these hospitals. At least one former member of the Marine Corps says that a failure to diagnose his back problem forced him to retire before he wished. Because his problem was not identified in time, the worsened condition was allowed to become too extreme.

The actions of a negligent physician or inefficient staff member can have serious results to patients. Sometimes it can be hard to know if a medical error has happened but if one is suspected, it may be worthwhile to talk to an attorney. Doing so can be a way to identify the best course of action.

Source: Time Warner Cable News, “Retired Marine Says ‘Improper Scheduling’ Led to Misdiagnosis,” Diana Bosch, May 21, 2014