Health
Florida caretakers leave residents to suffer
In the series, Neglected to Death, Miami Herald reporters Michael Sallah, Rob Barry and Carol Marbin Miller revealed that “caretakers in assisted-living facilities across Florida” were neglecting patients of proper medical attention and basic care. The improper care has led to the deaths of dozens of residents. The Herald obtained “confidential records” from the Department…
Read MoreHigh radon levels existed in Ann Arbor City Hall for more than 15 years
Reports dating back to the early 1990s indicate that top city officials were aware of high radon levels in the basement of Ann Arbor’s city hall where many police officers worked for years. Measures were put in place, however, failed to eradicate the problem. The levels of radon, which is a radioactive gas that can…
Read MoreNatural-gas drilling poses risks, regulation is lax
“Drilling Down,” a series by The New York Times, explores the the risks of natural-gas drilling, along with efforts to regulate the industry. “The relatively new drilling method — known as high-volume horizontal hydraulic fracturing, or hydrofracking — carries significant environmental risks.” For each well the process can create over a million gallons of wastewater…
Read MoreCalifornia hospital chain reports high rates of malnutrition
A California Watch report reveals that facilities managed by California hospital chain Prime Healthcare are reporting unusually high malnutrition rates in its Medicare patients. Shasta Regional Medical Center in Redding, Calif. has reported that “16.1 percent of its Medicare patients 65 and older suffered from kwashiorkor, according to a California Watch analysis of state health…
Read MoreElder placement agencies cash in
Michael Berens, of The Seattle Times, uncovered the hidden cost of elder placement agencies that promise to match seniors to long-term care facilities – for free. Elder placement is a national multi-million dollar industry with no rules and zero oversight. Seniors are steered only to facilities that agree to pay hefty commissions. Most placement companies…
Read MoreTraining hospital leaves patient welfare at risk
In an ongoing investigation into problems at Parkland Hospital, Brooks Egerston of The Dallas Morning News reports on a botched knee surgery that ultimately led to an amputation. The surgery was performed by a doctor in training. According to a patient safety report by the hospital, these outcomes aren’t uncommon. “‘We harm two patients a…
Read MoreThe Price of Living series
The Post and Courier (Charleston, S.C.) spent months going through individual case files at the Charleston County Probate Court to learn what was happening to the savings of elderly incapacitated persons. Reporter Doug Pardue discovered a court that was set up to protect vulnerable elderly persons but often helped drain their estates throught court-approved fees…
Read MoreCombat-related injuries compound stuggles of soldiers returning from war
A report for CNN by Alex Quade explores the struggles of veterans suffering with combat-related health issues as they try to reintegrate into civilian life following service in Iraq and Afghanistan. “War veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury and their families say military commanders, policy-makers, health care providers, and communities need…
Read MoreGreat risks accompany dialysis treatment in U.S.
A ProPublica investigation into the state of dialysis care in the United States found “patients commonly receive treatment in settings that are unsanitary and prone to perilous lapses in care. Regulators have few tools and little will to enforce quality standards. Industry consolidation has left patients with fewer choices of provider. The government has withheld…
Read MoreDollars for Doctors investigation
ProPublica, NPR, PBS’s Nightly Business Report, the Chicago Tribune, Boston Globe and Consumer Reports teamed up for “Dollars for Doctors,” an investigative project that found a hundreds of doctors being paid to promote pharmaceuticals have a history of misconduct. “Their misconduct included inappropriately prescribing drugs, providing poor care or having sex with patients. Some of…
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