I despair of any change in the system
I would like to add my plea with Beverly Steichen for a health care system that focuses on patient needs, whether it be psychiatric care, laboratory work or access to a skilled medical professional. My son died in midDecember, 2019. He had a major mental illness for decades and was stable on a medication which mandated monthly blood draws that required review by a doctor before it was filled by the pharmacist.
Thanksgiving occurred the week of his blood draw and, in advance, I secured the written request of the doctor to have the report sent to me, as well as to him and the pharmacist. The laboratory director emailed me that all information was in his files. He died 14 days after the blood test.
I did not receive the lab report but his medication refill was delivered and not until after his death, from pneumonia, did I obtain all medical records which revealed a highly elevated white cell count reflecting a serious infection which should have had immediate investigation. Review by a board certified internal medicine specialist and a pathologist attest that had any medical professional reviewed the lab report and treatment for pneumonia started, he might well have survived. He was 66. By the time I realized the truth of what had happened, the COVID-19 crisis was here; I thought it best to wait and see if a more readable lab report could avoid this oversight happening to anyone else. When speaking to his primary care doctor, she reported that she had not ordered the test; in fact, she was out of town over the weekend.
My letters to all principal parties to this event included documentation and a statement that I did not want to sue for wrongful death, just to change the system of reporting so aberrations are highlighted. After over six months with literally no response from anyone, I despair of any change in the system of health care.
Review by a board certified internal medicine specialist and a pathologist attest that had any medical professional reviewed the lab report and treatment for pneumonia started, he might well have survived.