Office of Emergency Medical Services

• EMS ›
• News ›
• 2008 ›
• Sep ›
• Wheeling surgeon: Improve communication

Wheeling surgeon: Improve communication

While the information contained in this news article was current and accurate when we posted it, it may not necessarily represent current WVOEMS policy or procedure. If you have any questions, please contact our office at 304-558-3956.

Posted: Monday, September 22, 2008 10:53 AM

Charleston Gazette
Monday, September 22, 2008

Poor communication in health-care settings is killing thousands of people and costing billions of dollars, according to a Wheeling plastic surgeon who offers a prescription for the problem.

Dr. E. Phillips Polack points to a recent study that shows about 42,000 people die each year because of inadequate and unclear communication. That's more deaths than those caused by car accidents.

Read the full article at the Charleston Gazette.