Serious Questions About Hospital Safety
One of my favorite pro-health care, pro-big business websites is Leapfrog.org, a national effort backed by the nation's largest employers to reduce waste in the health care system by improving patient safety.
The organization surveys hospitals nationwide based on a number of metrics which are proven to improve patient safety, thereby reducing health care costs.
To see, for example, how hospitals in Springfield, Illinois compare, click here.
Unfortunately, participation in the survey is voluntary, so consumers don't always have the information they need to make an informed decision when choosing their insurance program or making decisions about elective procedures. One wonders what some of the hospitals have to fear or hide, especially hospitals in Belleville, Decatur, Alton, Rock Island, and Joliet that have been such staunch proponents of giving blanket immunity to negligent doctors and hospitals for severe emotional damages.
While they haven't had the time or resources to provide vital patient safety information, they've had plenty of time and resources to make political contributions. Two hospitals in Decatur alone have made over $37,000 in contributions since 2001.
As Governor Blagojevich rethinks his "Illinois Covered" plan, he should think about making participation in a state-run program identical to Leapfrog mandatory.
