Sorry Works! Remembers Jim Conway

Last week we learned of the passing of patient safety legend Jim Conway.  Jim worked for IHI and many healthcare organizations over his career. He touched many individuals and families through his work, including mine. 

Approximately 11 years ago I was giving a presentation to the California Hospital Association.  Jim was on the speaking ticket too and he asked how many of the hospitals in the room had plans to deal with fire, natural disasters, and even terrorism attacks.  Every hand in the room went up.  Then he asked how many hospitals represented in that room had a plan to communicate effectively with patients and families following an adverse medical event.  A couple hands went up. The juxtaposition was mind-blowing and important, and this lesson still -- unfortunately -- resonates today. Not enough hospitals have realistic plans in place to deal with adverse medical events (which are every day occurrences) but they have detailed plans to address the rare and unusual (fire, tornado, etc).     

After Jim's talk, I gave my own presentation, which, as my common practice, started with retelling the death of my brother in a Cincinnati hospital due to medical errors.  As usual, I did not name the hospital (my work is not a vendetta).  Jim spoke with me afterwards and asked me for the name of the hospital where Jim died.  I refused. In his thick New England accent, Jim persisted and I relented.  Jim said he knew people at the hospital system and asked if I would mind if he shared with his colleagues that the hospital they just bought is where Sorry Works! started.  I thought noting would come of it, until the hospital contacted me.  Long story short, the hospital system -- Catholic Health Partners -- brought me home, apologized in person, explained what went wrong and how it has been fixed, and involved me in the development of their disclosure program. I was also asked to be a member of their patient safety committee. This series of events, approximately 12 years after my brother died, brought closure to my family. I thanked Jim profusely at the time, and I am now thanking his family for letting Jim do this important work for so many years. The Conway family has my deepest sympathies at this time of loss.  

The old saying goes that funerals are for the living, not the dead. In this vein, I believe remembrances are an opportunity to learn from a life that was well lived.  What can we, the living, incorporate into our own lives from the life story of the recently departed?  Moreover, how can our brothers and sisters at rest with the Lord challenge us on this side of Eternity?  The next time you are given the gift of being in a position to help another person, remember Jim Conway.  Jim was a kind soul who was not afraid to help other people, including me. How will you make a difference in the life of someone else?  Follow Jim's lead.  

May Jim Conway be at rest in the Lord's paradise, and may the Lord send down His angels to comfort Jim's family during this difficult time.

Peace,

- Doug

Doug Wojcieszak, Founder and President
Sorry Works!
doug@sorryworks.net
618-559-8168