Quartzsite's nearest hospital makes dubious national list

Credit: Palo Verde Times

We've been saying it for years, and now a new list published  by a coalition of public and private purchasers of health insurance benefits substantiates the view: Need a hospital? DON'T go to Blythe, California.

The report listed the 25 worst hospitals in the US, based on performance in terms of medical error, medication mismanagement, infection rates, and patient injuries. Palo Verde Hospital finds itself in the unenviable position of being in third place on the list.

This comes as no real surprise to locals, particularly any of those versed in the medical profession. A medical evacuation flight nurse repeatedly warned us against allowing any of our loved ones to be "treated" at Palo Verde. An RN we know who came from out of the area hired on at Palo Verde for a short time, then quickly quit the job, fearing she might be swept up in a legal tragedy after viewing procedures and records at PVH.

What's a person in need of medical care to do? We don't hold out a whole lot of hope for treatment at LaPaz Regional Hospital in Parker, either. Our own experiences at the hospital might not put it on the same list, but we've come away shaken by our visits and the seeming "back woods" feel.

Consider traveling a long way for reasonable medical care, either to Phoenix or, "down the hill" in the Palm Springs area. This might be a good time (if you can afford it) to look into an emergency medical evacuation plan, such as offered through the Good Sam Club.

Here's a link to the scathing report.