Reflections from Day 1 and 2 of Napa Telluride patient safety camp has left me amazed. I heard of the Lewis Blackman’s story but never watched the video until today. From one mother to another, I cannot begin to imagine the level of pain and guilt that Helen Haskell experienced. I shudder to think of what would I have done had it been one of my children. Both stories of Lewis Blackman and Michael Skolnik will forever be etched in my mind. I hope and pray that no one ever has to experience the loss of a child, a parent, a spouse, or a beloved family member due to medical error. If only I had a magic wand, my greatest wish would be to eliminate all patient harm due to medical errors.
I came here to Telluride wanting to learn all that I can about Patient Safety and so far it has met my expectations. Each day I feel renewed by the level of discussions and interactions between the students and faculty. What this program has taught me so far, is that I can be an agent of change in many ways, even if I am low on the totem pole. I have a duty to be persistent and do what I can to reduce patient harm. I have been bitten by the patient safety bug!!!