Sick doctors pose a threat to patients

A recent survey produced by employees at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia questioned 500 medical professionals, including doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, and midwives, on the prevalence of caregivers failing to take sick days. The survey revealed that nearly every participant felt that medical professionals who attend work while sick pose a threat of infection to their patients, yet more than 83 percent admitted to doing this very thing at least once in the past year.

According to the survey, medical professionals continue to work when ill for several reasons. About 99 percent said that they refused to take sick days so that they would not force additional work on their colleagues, while 95 percent blamed this practice on the fact that there are not enough employees to cover the work. Additionally, 92 percent of those surveyed said they worked through illness in order to provide continuous care for their patients, and 64 percent feared that taking sick days would lead their colleagues to think less of them.

Viruses such as influenza and measles are easily transmittable, and sick doctors threaten the safety of their patients by exposing them to additional and dangerous illnesses when their health is already compromised. If you believe that a doctor’s actions or inaction caused you or a loved one to suffer undo harm, let the experienced Memphis medical malpractice attorneys at John Michael Bailey Injury Lawyers help. Call us today at 888-WE-FIGHT to learn more about how we can fight for you.