03 Jan 08 23:27 | JanVick said regarding GuidelinesPertainingToHeartTeamsAndResponseTime:
GUIDELINES FOR HEART TEAMS AND RESPONSE TIME OF "ON CALL" CARDIOLOGISTS
March 25, 2004, my twin-sister Ann, died from coronary tamponade. The cardiologist "on call" did not bother to come to the hospital for over an hour. He knew Ann had O BP and was tachycardic, but still did not respond immediately. We need "statewide" guidelines in place, concerning how a doctor "on call" is to respond when called. We also need guidelines in our hospitals...concerning how these Heart Teams are allowed to work. I feel patient safety was compromised..when doctors and nurses became "independent" agents. Hospitals should have specific guidelines defining how these doctors are allowed to work and respond to "on calls" in their facilities. Hospitals ARE accountable for the care they provide...whether or not the doctors and nurses are directly employed by the hospital. God bless all the efforts for patient safety. Jan S.Vick 1/4/08