04 Jan 08 17:56 | JanVick said regarding GuidelinesPertainingToHeartTeamsAndResponseTime:
My twin-sister Ann S. Perdue died on March 25, 2004 from coronary tamponade. The cardiologist "on call" did not bother to come to the hospial for over an hour...after he was called. Our expert cardiologist witness, stated that there was about an hour "window" that Ann could have been saved. Hospitals need to implement guidelines governing how these Heart Teams work in their facility. Guidelines establishing "time-frames" for the doctor on call...must be implemented. I feel the quality of healthcare has deteriorated...since doctors and nurses became "independent" agents. The attending hospital is RESPONSIBLE for the care and safety of its patients...whether or not the attending doctors and nurses are directly employed by the hospital. God bless all the efforts being put forth to improve patient safety. Jan S.Vick