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HOSPITAL FOR SICK CHILDREN

Attention News Editors:

Statement from The Hospital for Sick Children

    TORONTO, Oct. 25 /CNW/ - The Hospital for Sick Children is deeply

saddened, for everyone involved, by the announcement that criminal proceedings

will begin against two nurses relating to the death of Lisa Shore.

    The hospital has publicly acknowledged that there were failures in the

care provided to Lisa Shore and for these the hospital is deeply regretful.

    Following a Coroner's inquest into Lisa's death, the hospital implemented

numerous changes in our policies, procedures, and practices. We also reported

the two nurses to the College of Nurses. We are awaiting the results of a

disciplinary hearing by the College of Nurses which is scheduled to start on

December 4.

    Regrettably, human error occurred during Lisa Shore's treatment. No one

has ever managed to eliminate all human error. It is for this reason that our

changes have focused on better systems to improve the quality of care and

reduce the likelihood of error.

    We are committed to providing the support and resources our staff require

to do their jobs well. The health care sector must foster an environment that

allows and encourages people to come forward when errors occur. In this way,

health care institutions can take action to correct problems and continually

improve the quality and safety of care. Sick Kids is proud to be taking a

leadership role in addressing these issues.






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For further information: Michael J. Strofolino, President & CEO, The 
Hospital for Sick Children, (416) 813-6380