Josie’s Story- Saving almost 98,000 patients a year, one at a time…

Did you know that an estimated 98,000 deaths a year can be attributed medical mistakes in the US Healthcare system? Today, I’m going to take a  bit of a detour today from Social Media to talk about a different issue, and a different story…

This is a story about a loving mom, an accident at home, a subsequent trip to the hospital, and a happy ending turning into a tragic one- the death of one’s child.  In Sorrel King’s own words, she was “planning a welcome home party for her 18-month old one moment, and not long after, planning the funeral.”

An excerpt of her story is below, and her is a link to the video on the Today Show on September 21, 2009. For you moms and dads out there, her book is an incredible story of tragedy, but also of hope, passion and what a determined woman can do to help create a “culture of patient safety, together”.

“….Josie spent ten days in the PICU. I was by her side every day and night. I paid attention to every minute detail of the doctors’ and nurses’ care, and I was quick to ask questions. I bonded with them and was in constant awe of the medical attention she received. Every time Josie moved or fussed someone would be quick to push her pain button. I tried rubbing her head and found that often this would settle her. Much to our relief, Josie was experiencing a quick recovery. Her burns were healing beautifully. She was sent down to the intermediate care floor with expectations of being sent home in a few days. Her three older siblings prepared for her welcome home celebration. We were told that no one had ever been sent back up to the PICU….read more

Thanks for taking the time to read this, and passing Sorrel’s message along in any way you can.