2010 Adverse Medical Events Still High In Minnesota

The annual Minnesota Department of Health report concluded that the number of “adverse events” in Minnesota hospitals grew slightly in 2010. Of the 305 reported:

• Ten deaths and 97 serious injuries resulted from the reported events.
• Last year’s 20 percent reduction in falls associated with serious injury or death was largely maintained. A total of 80 falls were reported, up from 76 in the previous year but down from a high of 95 two years ago.
• The number of serious bedsores remained roughly constant, decreasing from 122 to 118.
• The number of events related to surgery or invasive procedures remained unchanged at 83.

Serious medication errors did rise sharply. There were 13 serious medication errors as compared to 14 medication errors reported in the previous three years combined

To see a full copy of the adverse health events report and additional information, visit the MDH’s Adverse Health Events Web page, at www.health.state.mn.us/patientsafety. More information about hospitals can be found at http://www.mnhospitals.org.

If you or a family member is injured by medical malpractice, it’s important that you seek the advice of knowledgeable attorneys who can answer your questions and make sure your rights are protected.