In the history of medicine, like all history, there have been seminal moments that have thrusted improvements forward. The case of Stafford Hospital is likely to become one of those moments. In brief, Stafford Hospital began to develop significant increase in mortality, as well as some shocking patient care situations.

This led to several independent inquiries with varying action plans coming out of those investigations. View the most recent report from England.

In addition, the National Health Service engaged Dr. Don Berwick to do an evaluation and make recommendations. View his recent report. This past summer, I had the privilege of hearing Dr. Berwick give comments about his upcoming report.

My initial thought as I heard Dr. Berwick speak in the summer, and further confirmed by his recent report, is that MUSC must continue on the path we have set to continually improve the culture of safety.

This is done through our Just Culture and Professionalism programs which must become ingrained in the work we do every day. In addition, each one of us in the medical center, physician and non-physician, must contribute to the principle of continuous improvement. NONE of us can be satisfied with the status quo. We must pursue continuous improvement with rigor, enthusiasm, and determination. Finally, we must continue the open communication and transparency efforts. This includes not just what it happening with MUSC Health, but most importantly, ensuring our outcomes are transparent to one another and the public.