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HEALTHCARE WHISTLEBLOWERS NEED PROTECTION
Aug 13, 2006
Hi Care2 Activists,
                                 
         A Heartfelt Thank You to each and every one of you for taking the time to Sign this Patient Safety Advocate’s Whistleblower Petition at:
            
 http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/938995258   

         I don’t want to bug those of you who have already signed,  but I urgently need you to keep forwarding this Link on to all of the Care2 Friends in your Network.   I am still actively seeking additional comments from Patient Safety Advocates, Medical Professionals and especially Nurses for inclusion on this really vital Patient Safety Petition that highlights the critical need for much stronger universal Whistleblower protections for US Healthcare workers.  

Kim Sanders-Fisher in Surgery; working as a Medical Volunteer in the OR at Cut Nyak Dhien Hospital in Meulaboh, Aceh Indonesia after the Tsunami.


         Most, if not all, of our Care2 members make a conscious choice to care passionately for animals and to protect our fragile environment; I genuinely applaud this extremely valuable contribution.  Over the past three months I have learned that it is a really tough challenge to muster any significant response for a Petition that does not focus on such issues, but instead targets the current Healthcare crisis.  This is deplorable, as we really must recognize that sick and injured Hospital patients are equally vulnerable to abuse and neglect; they too deserve our attention and protection.   

         We might not want to dwell upon our own human frailty or  physical weeknesses, but the fundamental need for access to Safe Medical treatment is an irrefutable fact of life!  This is about the integrity of YOUR Medical system, so please bear in mind that  inevitably we will all require Medical care at some point in the future.  Don’t let deliberate negligent under-staffing become the nightmare scenario that determines the fate of your vulnerable loved ones when they enter a US Healthcare facility.  Join with those of us who are now Petitioning to demand immediate dramatic changes to America’s increasingly dangerous and dysfunctional “Profits over Patients” Medical  system.      

                                  THANKS TO ALL YOUR HELP  
  WE HAVE REACHED A MILESTONE OF SUCCESS: 
  
                SURPASSING  1000  SIGNATURES!                
                                                         
                             MORE THAN  1275  HAVE SIGNED SO FAR     
           BUT THE  3000  SIGNATURE GOAL IS A LONG WAY OFF...         
  I STILL NEED YOUR HELP!      

         Although I am sure Healthcare really is one of your priorities, you still might not have got round to signing this important Patient Safety Petition yet. Few people realize what a critically important role strong Whistleblower protections play in the workplace: no where is this more vital than in our Hospitals!  Ignoring the crisis in US Healthcare now, could potentially have devastating consequences for the delivery of safe Medical care in America in the near future.  

       Unfortunately, so called “Managed Care” in the US equals: “too much costly and grossly inefficient Management for too little basic rudimentary Patient Care!” Healthcare dollars are being needlessly squandered by top heavy Management as powerful CEO’s rake in obscene salaries for implementing drastic workforce reductions among the badly beleaguered ranks of those still valiantly trying to deliver quality care. 

         Deliberate negligent under-staffing is already harmfully impacting Hospital practices and jeopardizing our vigilant adherence to safety regulations in all clinical areas of numerous Medical facilities throughout the United States.   Greedy Corporate power mongers deceptively refer to this as necessary “Downsizing.” In reality it is far from “necessary,” and often downright dangerous, leaving the most vulnerable patients neglected or abandoned by unworkable staffing cut backs.  To find out more about why this Petition matters so much to you and your family visit my Care2 Sharebook.

Read about the specific healthcare dangers I was removed for trying to expose,
GO TO:   http://www.care2.com/c2c/share/detail/99894
Read the letter of appeal that further elaborates on my personal motivations behind filing this Petition,  
GO TO:  http://www.care2.com/c2c/share/detail/91853      
or Visit the TEAM Blogspot:
                             Medic Integrity & T.E.A.M.  
    TRANSPARENCY for EQUAL ACCOUNTABILITY in MEDICINE
                                  Visit the new "Blogspot;" 
GO TO:  http://medicintegrity-team.blogspot.com/   


         Americans must pay dearly for their Medical insurance in order to access quality care touted as the absolute “finest available anywhere in the world.”  When we or one of our loved ones is sick or injured, we really deserve to know that they will receive the very best and safest standard of Medical care.  However, although we might rightfully expect safe Medical treatment and are truly horrified when someone close to us becomes the victim of negligence, abandonment or abuse, Healthcare is being severely compromised and accountability is seriously diminishing.  This disquieting trend is being documented right now by numerous signatories to my Petition who have experienced negligent care or harmful medical errors.  You too can add your comments regarding the sharp decline in the quality of US Healthcare.  

         The fact is that greedy Corporate profiteering in Healthcare is getting steadily worse.   The dangerous "Profits over Patients" agenda has aggressively implemented drastic staff reductions.  This created such intolerable working conditions for Medical professionals that it precipitated a full scale “Nursing Exodus.” Those who are unable to change this unworkable system and have consistently refused to be responsible for the horific consequences of unsafe care have left the Medical field altogether!  

         Abuse and neglect of vulnerable Hospital patients is rampant due to the stress and unreasonable demands on fatigued, overstretched, Medical professionals.  Our inability to cope with the severe limitations of minimal staffing is creating major problems.  Basic safeguards are being ignored or eroded and Medical Errors are on the increase.  It does not have to be this way, but we must demand a reversal of the current negligent "Profits over Patients” Medical system.  

         The really Good News is that the majority of former Nurses still diligently maintain their Nursing licenses.   Many of these highly qualified and experienced professionals are eager to return to direct bedside Nursing.  If and when staffing is safely regulated, and the current unworkable conditions change so that Medical staff can advocate and care for their patients properly once more, they will return to their chosen career.  We can confidently anticipate that increasing the number of tenure Nurses will help make the US Medical system safe again.   

         A few conscientious outspoken Medical practitioners are battling to insure that your Medical care remains safe, despite the current appalling working conditions.  Some have courageously chosen to jeopardize their entire career to vocally advocate for the safety of patients entrusted to their care.  This heroic sacrifice should never be necessary.  However, Whistleblower protections for Healthcare workers are almost non-existent in most States and this situation urgently needs to change.  The Safety of Medical care remains far from guaranteed while Medical staff are still totally helpless to advocate on behalf of their patients without fear of significant reprisal or complete career sabotage. 

To sign this Patient Safety Advocate’s Petition;
GO TO:  http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/938995258    

         Please take immediate action right now to Demand Safe Patient Care by insisting that conscientious Medical practitioners, who want to advocate on your behalf, are protected from retaliation.   It will be far too late to protest when your ultimate survival or the life of someone close to you hangs in the balance, and is dependant upon the compassion, knowledge and experience of a competent Medical team.  Please do not hesitate to contact my with your questions, comments or to request a “Friends” link connection as I would really appreciate having you on board,    

                                         Thank you, for your critically needed support,   

                                                                Kim L. Sanders-Fisher.   

PS:    Although this Petition is now gaining more signatures than most other submissions in the "Health" section it is still not listed at the top among the "Most Popular Petitions" on the “Health” page.  I have repeatedly appealed to the Petition Site to update their ranking of the ten "Most Popular Health Petitions" which even now still lists one Petition that has been closed to signing for well over a month!  Please help persuade them to revamp their list to reflect recent changing trends in importance and focus.  Urge them to do this so that active Petitions, like mine and others that are still actively seeking public support, can become more visible.   Your Signatures could then put this vital Patient Safety Petition in the “Most Popular Petition” spot at last.
                                                                                               

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Posted: Aug 13, 2006 11:54am
SIGN A PETITION: NGO MEDICAL VOLUNTEER & PATIENT SAFETY ACTIVIST WHISTLEBLOWER CALLING FOR YOUR HELP
May 10, 2006
Focus: Health
Action Request: Petition
Location: United States
The “JOHNS HOPKINS HOSPITAL INVESTIGATION OF WHISTLEBLOWER’S DISMISSAL: demand Compliance Accountability” Petition is now posted on the Petition Site. 
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/938995258 

         This new Petition is to urge two highly respected, influential Doctors, the Dean/CEO of Johns Hopkins Hospital, Dr. Edward D. Miller, and the Medical Director for the Center for Innovation and Quality Patient Care, Dr. Peter J. Pronovost to call for an investigation to uncover the truth and correct unsafe practices.  With your backing I may be able to rekindle the support I once enjoyed as a well respected, if outspoken, member of Johns Hopkins OR team.

         At a very early point in my five year Surgical career at Johns Hopkins I earned a letter of commendation from the Dean for advocating necessary changes in OR behavior to protect patient safety during Surgery. This occurred after a letter that I wrote was delivered to the Dean which then prompted months of interdisciplinary meetings to create: ”A Perfect day in the OR” culminating in an “OR Retreat.”   This innovative strategy involved hundreds of OR employees who were left feeling disillusioned and jaded when the initiative was abandoned as the Hospital’s priorities changed. 

         Getting the attention of that same Dean/CEO, Dr. Miller, and others empowered to make a real difference regarding this latest issue has proven impossible thus far.  If these safe patient care issues are important to you, then please seriously consider how adding your support to this Petition might become instrumental in enlisting Dr. Miller’s and Dr. Pronovost’s help in this matter.  If the content resonates with you at all it will take just 30 seconds to add your signature.

To link directly to the Petition and add your signature now, GO TO:   
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/938995258 

         If you have already signed the Petition, thank you for adding your support in accordance with your conscience. Please understand that I bear absolutely no ill will towards this prestigious medical institution or the many dedicated staff I was genuinely honored to work alongside during my five year tenure in the OR at Johns Hopkins.  All that I must still insist upon is a proper investigation.  I genuinely hope that Johns Hopkins may finally address the wider implications of uncovering the truth regarding inappropriate or inadequate compliance protections for whistle-blowers both within their own institution and at other US Healthcare facilities.  

However, if you have time read the entire Petition and review all of the included Links.         
         Please note that there are over 250 links to assist you in researching the subject of patient safety. Each of these links connects to a separate web page to provide a very balanced perspective on the most serious issues confronting medical professionals today.  Many of the links, including those featuring Johns Hopkins, demonstrate positive solutions and provide valuable information. Any and all links were inserted purely for this informative purpose; no support, agreement or endorsement is intended or implied by their inclusion in this Petition.  Reviewing these links will offer an in depth analysis of the current patient safety situation and how nonexistent employee protections in the US, and quite possibly in other countries including the UK, continue to endanger Hospital patients.  

         Despite the advice of so many people who insist I must “give up and just let it go,” I would judge such abandonment spineless and cowardly, considering the gravity of the patient safety issues I have raised. While I deeply regret that it has become necessary to choose this far more public course of action, the ignored priorities have left me no other option.  Allegations levied against specific members of the Hospital Management must be reviewed or proven solely based on valid evidence presented, past admissions and the facts as submitted to investigators. Those courageous enough to vigilantly advocate on behalf of patient safety deserve genuine, consistent and reliable protection from retaliatory Managerial practices. To correct this dangerous oversight, and restore the integrity of Johns Hopkins Compliance Line, new safeguards must be put in place immediately.  

         Wrongful termination can, and does, inflict lasting damage to professional credibility as job references are damaging or unobtainable under such circumstances. Those familiar with my conscientious efforts to supply vital warnings in good faith were appalled to witness the devastating consequences. This travesty has effectively silenced most former colleagues, potential witnesses and supporters who fear similar retaliation. On a personal level it still continues to sabotage all potential career prospects for me and now even jeopardizes my future commitments as an unpaid NGO Medical Volunteer overseas. 

         While potential legal options for recovering any type of personal compensation are no longer possible, I remain compelled to struggle for basic vindication. To this end I have begun working on documenting my experiences and the lessons learned in a book entitled: “ICONIC IMMUNITY.”  Meanwhile, in pursuing my current charitable endeavors, I would greatly appreciate garnering the moral support of valued former allies at Johns Hopkins including the Dean/CEO, Dr. Edward Miller. 

         Problems cannot be corrected by demonizing the messenger: this strongly discourages Hospital staff from reporting patient safety issues. When the bold and outspoken are punished; few will emulate their trusting naivety. The inappropriate cost-containment measures I have elaborated on in my Petition create the potential for negligent or dangerous under-staffing situations, but they are becoming more prevalent at Healthcare facilities throughout the US. Nurses and other medical staff are exposing these problems on the Internet on Nursing and Union Blog Sites.  They are appealing for action and media review of the widespread problems that Nurses are facing today.  This Petition, posted at the close of National Nurses Week seeks to draw attention to these very valid concerns.

Several links in my Petition visit these sites and my experiences are well documented on the allnurses.com Site under the name "Tsunami Kim;" GO TO:
http://allnurses.com/forums/members/105717.html    to read my profile page on the allnurses.com Website.  
http://allnurses.com/forums/search.php?searchid=1856805  to read my posts on the allnurses threads.  However, as you will see from many other postings I am certainly not alone in my plight. 

         Corporate greed drives the compromises made by a few rogue Managers. However, their flawed decision making cannot be ignored and tighter restrictions on staffing are desperately needed to adequately protect patients from harm.  While the misinformation and devious tactics used to silence my patient safety warnings remain unchallenged they will leave Hospital patients vulnerable to unnecessary risk and this demands the most urgent attention.  

         We must all work together for positive change to realistically improve patient safety and reduce medical errors.  With this Petition I am throwing down the gauntlet: challenging Johns Hopkins to genuinely persevere in their leadership role in reducing medical error by taking immediate action to facilitate the investigation into my case. I am confident that with your persuasion they will finally realize that they are duty bound to address the wider implications of uncovering the truth regarding inappropriate compliance practices that fail to protect whistleblowers or Hospital patients.  

         It is my greatest hope, and most ambitious expectation, that John Hopkins will use their influential position in healthcare improvement and patient safety organizations like the Center for Innovation in Quality Patient Care and the Center for Law and the Public’s Health to usher in far-reaching, national, industry wide, policy and regulatory changes.   

         For those of you living in countries other than the US, situations very similar to the problems illuminated here may well be already adversely impacting patient care within your healthcare system or moving steadily in this disastrous direction.  We certainly do not want to go down a similar road in the UK with the NHS!   In opening up an important dialog I believe that this Petition really can make a difference, both in the US and elsewhere, so please sign it and forward it to all of your friends for their consideration. 

         Sadly, I do not have the relief of knowing that vital initiatives I pioneered during my five year tenure in the OR at Johns Hopkins managed to make a lasting difference, but it is never too late to appeal for help. The Dean/CEO of Johns Hopkins, Dr. Edward D. Miller, may be contacted at: (410)955-3180 or via e-mail: emiller@jhmi.edu and the Medical Director for the Center for Innovation in Quality Patient Care, Dr. Peter J. Pronovost may be contacted at: (410)955-8032 or ppronovo@jhmi.edu  (These are all publicly available contacts.)  

         Johns Hopkins also hold “Town Meetings” at their main Baltimore Campus.  These open forums present an ideal opportunity where members of the public are encouraged to raise important issues and concerns such as this. Please urge these two respected, influential Doctors to do the right thing by insisting on the investigation and overhaul of Hospital Compliance practices to better protect patients from harm.  In the near future, with your help, I genuinely hope I will be able to enlist the full support of Dr. Edward Miller, and Dr. Peter Pronovost in my ongoing efforts to forward their noble patient safety agenda.                              
                 
Many Thanks,        Kim L. Sanders-Fisher. 


"The time is always right to do what is right" -
Martin Luther King, Jr.
    
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Posted: May 10, 2006 10:22am

 
 
 
Content and comments expressed here are the opinions of Care2 users and not necessarily that of Care2.com or its affiliates.

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Kim Sanders-Fisher
female , divorced
Hastings, AA, United Kingdom
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