Nurses question CEO's presence in OR

Specialties Operating Room

Published

This is kind of an old story, but it caught my eye because it involved nurses complaining about "unspecified observers" in the operating room. And the observer whose motives they questioned was the hospital CEO himself.

In the letters, the Massachusetts Nurses Association's said Laverty's (Beverly hospital CEO) actions:

* "Often compromise patient privacy."

* "Always result in a compromise of patient confidentiality."

* Had the potential to "contaminate the surgical field."

* Flouted "the wishes of the staff involved in the patients' care."

An investigation by the state Department of Public Health found that Laverty's visits to the operating rooms and other areas where patients are treated were not covered by a blanket waiver that patients were asked to sign allowing unspecified "observers" into the operating room.

Laverty, who is not medically certified or trained, told registered nurse Joan Jacobsen of the Department of Public Health in a June 5 interview he had been going into operating rooms to "view professional interactions," see "if a surgical case starts on time" and assure himself equipment and supplies were in the right place and used correctly.

I'm so impressed that these nurses took risks to advocate for the patient.

http://www.gloucestertimes.com/punews/local_story_303140159

The nurses were right. Bravo!!

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