The Albany Medical Center Hospital (also known as Albany Med) is facing increased scrutiny due to allegations of medical malpractice and understaffing. A report from the New York State Department of Health (DOH) allegedly detailed issues related to having a sufficient number of nurses on staff to take care of patients, potentially leading to an increased risk of medical malpractice. According to at least one lawsuit, this mismanagement may have cost people their lives.
Allegations of Inadequate Staffing
The DOH report was conducted at the request of Albany Med’s nurses’ union. It revealed that Albany Medical Center Hospital faces consistent issues with understaffing, keeping far fewer nurses on shift than is necessary to handle their patient load. This has resulted in higher burnout and exhaustion rates for their nurses, leading to an increased chance of medical errors. In some cases, this can delay care, increase the risk of medical complications, and result in preventable deaths.
The Tragic Cost of Understaffing
This problem was underscored by the case of Micah McManus, a three-year-old boy who died after waiting 17 hours in an emergency room to be treated. According to the lawsuit, he was brought to the emergency room three times, but all three times, the family struggled to get seen by doctors or nurses. As a result, he was not treated in time to save his life, and he passed away. His parents are suing the hospital for wrongful death and medical malpractice.
The Reasons Behind the Malpractice
Some factors behind this issue are not necessarily the hospital’s fault. Albany Med claims they have struggled to maintain staffing levels after resignations during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the hospital has still failed to bring nursing staff up to levels required by New York State law. Albany Med has also been in a labor dispute with the nurses’ union since April partially due to the continuous staffing issues. This may indicate that the understaffing is an intentional choice taken by hospital management, rather than a simple case of struggling to fill positions.
What May Happen Now
While the DOH report has not yet been made public, depending on its findings, it may lead to further remedial measures against Albany Med. These measures could include financial sanctions and a mandated correction plan. This plan would place the hospital under government supervision to ensure they are compliant with legal requirements. It is also likely that more litigation will arise as more people suffer the consequences of understaffing at Albany Med.
If you have been harmed due to medical malpractice or have suffered any other kind of injury due to the negligence of others, contact the Albany-based personal injury lawyers at Dreyer Boyajian. Our experienced attorneys are always ready to assist you, and ensure you get justice for the harm you have suffered. To schedule a free initial consultation at your convenience, give us a call at 518-463-7784 or contact us online at dreyerboyajian.com.
