During the public comment period of the Cook County North Shore Hospital Board meeting on January 19, 2012, Tod Sylvester of Grand Marais addressed the hospital board to express concern about the treatment of his mother, who died November 11, 2011 at the North Shore Care Center. Sylvester first stated, “There are a lot of great employees at the hospital and care center who gave my Mom excellent care and our family is very appreciative.”
However, Sylvester alleged that his 85-year-old mother was prescribed a drug that led to complications while a patient in the hospital. The drug, Flagyl, is prescribed for bacterial infections and according to WebMD, the most common side effects are dizziness, headache, diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, constipation, changes in taste, and dry mouth. WebMD states that serious side effects are rare, but advises patients to tell their doctor immediately if any of these “unlikely but serious” side effects occur: unsteadiness, seizures, mental/mood changes (such as confusion), or numbness/tingling of hands or feet. WebMD cautioned that the elderly might be at greater risk for side effects while using this drug. (www.webmd.com).
Sylvester said his mother’s condition worsened greatly after taking the medication and he alleged that she was not properly monitored. “Mom’s brain was scrambled, never to return to normal,” he told the hospital board.
Sylvester also alleged that once his mother was admitted to the care center as a patient, proper pain management was not achieved for five days.
Sylvester told the hospital board that he had discussed his complaints with hospital administration but had not received a satisfactory response. He said, “Our family seeks zero financial gain as we come forward to the administration but wish to see policies change so this happens to no one else.”
Sylvester questioned why the hospital is allowed to investigate his charges and “exonerate themselves.”
The hospital board listened to Sylvester’s statement and Board Chair Howard Abrahamson replied, “We are sorry about the loss of your mother.”
However, Abrahamson said, “We cannot respond to you in this forum.”
Abrahamson asked Sylvester to put further comments to the hospital in writing. Sylvester said his future comments would be made to the State of Minnesota.
Reached after the board meeting, Hospital Administrator Kimber Wraalstad said she could not comment specifically on Sylvester’s allegations.
Asked about quality assurance, Wraalstad said the hospital is continuously looking at quality and quality improvement. “We don’t just do quality assurance reviews when there is a complaint. We are always looking at ways we can do better, ways we can be more effective or efficient.”
Wraalstad added, “I walk down the halls and I see staff that have been here a long time and newer staff—all taking care of patients that are their friends and neighbors, even family members. I believe in my heart that we provide good care here.”
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