West Virginia has the unfortunate distinction of being named the worst state in the nation for health care. That ranking for 2024 by MoneyGeek is based on having the “worst health outcomes of any state.”
What does that mean specifically? According to the study, West Virginia has the highest mortality rate in the country, with over 1,100 deaths for every 100,000 residents. Interestingly, in that same study, our state ranked second in health care accessibility. That seems to indicate that inability to get health care isn’t the issue.
Two hospitals were recently graded “F” for patient safety
Multiple factors contribute to a state’s mortality rate that don’t involve lack of access, poor medical care or serious error or negligence by a medical professional. However, it’s disturbing to find that two West Virginia hospitals were given “F” grades for patient safety recently by the watchdog organization Leapfrog, which grades hospitals throughout the country.
The two hospitals are Berkeley Medical Center, located in Martinsburg, and Rivers Health, which is in Point Pleasant. Among the safety issues highlighted for one or both of these facilities are:
- diff infections, which are colon infections caused by the spread of bacteria
- Urinary tract infections
- Accidental surgical tears and cuts
- Bed sores
- Falls
- Hand washing/hygiene and medication protocols
- Blood clots
Communication issues particularly involving doctors, were listed as issues for both hospitals. These included communication involving medications and patient discharge.
Patients often can’t choose their hospital
These are all problems that in many cases are preventable. While they may not always serious or fatal harm, any of them can – particularly in already-ill or frail patients.
West Virginians don’t always have a choice of what hospital to go to. That’s especially true in less-populated areas. It’s true for just about everyone if they’re transported to a hospital in an emergency.
Patients should be able to expect at least a baseline standard of care, regardless of where they’re treated. Anyone who believes that they or a loved one was harmed by the negligence or actions of any medical professional can and should find out more about their right to seek justice and compensation. Getting experienced legal guidance is generally the best way to start.
