I can't help but respond to the article "Man had coma after given wrong meds."
First of all, I think the correct term may have been singular "med." If the intent of the article is to bring to the Ministry of Health's attention that the workload nurses carry and the length of shifts they work lead to an increase in errors, I might be able to forgive the litany of detail and anger expressed in this article.
However, if shame and condemnation of an individual nurse was the point, that will only lead to lack of confidence, decreased efficiency and quality of care, all of which further endanger patients. There is no doubt that one of the six cardinal rules of medication administration was breached and that, when questioned, the nurse would ideally have rechecked the order.
In defense of the system, I would like to point out that the error was admitted, a physician was consulted and correct counter measures were initiated to reverse the results of the medication error. These actions were effective. I have no doubt that the incident was traumatic for
Mr. Webb and his family. In defense of nurses, the work load they carry is horrendous given the acuity of patients in hospital. Blame for heavy workloads falls at the feet of the Ministry of Health and Regional Health Boards for failing to sufficiently fund nursing care to the point where workloads are reasonable and safe. All the policies and procedures can be, and are in place, however, if haste is necessary to complete all care and orders, doubtless mistakes and omissions (which can be just as harmful) will continue to happen.
Tess Peters
Prince George
