Two Courageous New Jersey Women Speak Out on Medical Errors
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2007-08-27 12:07:01.442205-04:00
Across the country, AARP has been collecting stories from people willing to share their experiences in the health care facilities. Two women in New Jersey are speaking out on medical errors that profoundly affected their lives.
In Jersey City, as referenced by Rosemary Gibson in her book Wall of Silence (Lifeline Press, 2003), Edie Bickoff lost her life partner Rich Flagg, who was diagnosed with a tumor in his left lung.
According to Bickoff, on the advice of his pulmonologist, Rich decided on surgery to remove the unhealthy part of the lung. Tragically, according to Bickoff, the surgical team removed 40% of his healthy lung instead, with fatal results.
"We were going to spend the rest of our lives together," Bickoff told AARP. "No one should have to watch someone go through what he went through."
Three years ago, as reported on the Consumers Union Web site, Marion Costa of Red Bank went to the hospital for a serious but treatable condition. During her hospital stay, the IV connector used by hospital staff to administer blood transfusions allegedly was left in her arm for twice the time prescribed.
Because of the alleged error, Costa acquired a life-threatening infection known as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). According to Costa, weeks of intense pain and treatment through antibiotics and blood transfusions followed. Her condition was so serious, Costa considers it a miracle that she survived.
Costa and Bickoff's powerful stories have been very influential in AARP New Jersey's effort to require public reporting of hospital-acquired infections and preventable medical errors.
Costa even testified before the New Jersey Senate and Assembly Health Committees. Because they took the time to share their experiences with AARP, hospitals could become cleaner and safer for everyone.
Now we need your help.
- Have you or anyone you know ever experienced a medical error?
- Are you living without health insurance, or with insufficient coverage?
- How does that feel?
- Have you acquired an infection while in the hospital?
- Do you know someone who was given the wrong medication?
We are gathering stories from across New Jersey. Please tell us yours.
Sharing your story could spare others a similar experience. Sharing your story will bring these issues to the attention of our policymakers so they will not be able to turn away. Sharing your story will build on AARP's resolve to fight for true, meaningful health care quality reform.
Some of the most poignant, powerful stories we collect will be published in future Member Updates and many others will be posted on our Web site in the months to come. Your stories will make a difference.
Share your story in 500 words online, via fax (609) 987-4634, or by mail.
AARP New Jersey
Forrestal Village
101 Rockingham Row
Princeton NJ 08540
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