In any given year, more than 38,000 Canadians die of preventable medical mistakes, and many more are injured. Medical harm is the leading cause of death in the US, and the third highest in Canada. For the most part, healthcare does more good than harm, but many accessing care come up against the cruel reality that physicians do make mistakes, and some of those errors are deadly. The affects of medical harm can last a lifetime.
Whether you're a patient or physician dealing with the fallout of medical harm, the results can be devastating. Patients deal with a flurry of emotions; disbelief, broken trust, frustration at not being heard, anger around the lack of accountability, and sometimes, in the worst cases, grief and loss. While the healthcare provider feels anguish around making the mistake, they don't often feel supported by their peers, and are often left hanging by a culture they once trusted. And although we cannot compare losses of those harmed, and those who have harmed when healing was intended, all involved are in need of healing.
As a therapist, I will stand witness to your story, where others have not. I will honour your feelings as you process your experience. And I will help you come to terms with your 'new normal'.