A recent study performed by Consumer Reports found that pediatric intensive care units in the United States have at least a 20% higher infection rate than adult intensive care units.
Consumer Reports studied 98 pediatric intensive care units in 31 different states across the country (they studied only hospitals that reported their infection data). Out of all of these 98 pediatric ICU’s, the infection rates were at least 20% higher than the national rates for adult ICU’s.
Part of this problem is attributed to the fact that children don’t have as high of an input on the cleanliness and sterilization of their central lines and catheters. Parents are encouraged to assist the medical staff in keeping an eye on the cleanliness of their children’s equipment. With consistently full pediatric units, medical staff can often overlook things that increase the likelihood of an infection.
At Wagner Reese, we encourage you to do extensive research on the medical facilities available to you. Our first suggestion is that if a hospital does not report its infection data, avoid it. If hospitals are not willing to share their infection rates and other data with the general public, typically that means their rates are higher than others and you should find another health care provider.
If you or a loved one have been the victim of a medical malpractice that resulted in a potentially deadly infection, call the expert medical malpractice attorneys of Wagner Reese today. We will fight against the hospitals for you and get you the money you deserve to compensate for your injuries and sufferings. Don’t wait any longer. Show them you’re serious! Call Wagner Reese today for your FREE consultation - 888-710-9377!
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