this demonstrates that there is a clear problem which needs to be better addressed across the medical field to decrease the increasing threat of mrsa. however it also demonstrates how fear can impact investigation. there's anecdotal evidence here and unsupported statements about hospital practices (or lack of). the issue deserves supported study and in-depth analysis; perhaps this type of article will lead to that

A public health threat that is (to some degree) spread and hidden by health care employees. Part of the reason we may not have heard more about MRSA is expressed in this quote: "Some hospitals fear lawsuits. If they screened every patient, results would show who already had the germ upon admission — and who picked it up while in the hospital. Patients could then blame the hospital for their infections." It seems money (and convenience for health care professionals) not lives is the determining factor.

The investigative journalism looks at antibiotic resistant staph infections in Washington State hospitals, where the number of incidents has skyrocketed. Though it is a local investigation, the concern should be nationwide, where deaths from MRSA have been reported to exceed deaths from AIDS.

Berens, Armstrong and their editors deserve humongous Bravos for their work. Investigative articles like this would never be found on TV news (unless it were a Frontline-style piece); nor would smaller papers touch the topic. CSI-like, Berens & Armstrong followed the evidence, only in this case, the most serious evidence was secreted within forms not entirely filled out (or missing related fields). good journalism is always the result of on-set curiosity. My guess is, the article is so repleate with reliable data that the WA hospital Association might be girding its collective loins; guys like Chuck Velte are not going to take it anymore! One thing missing: Medicare's new reg (1/1/09) denying payment for infections picked up ... More »