Description

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Ninety-eight thousand people die every year from medical errors, making it a leading cause of death in the United States, but the subject has long been taboo. All that changed with Josie. Sorrel King's eighteen-month-old daughter was badly burned by a faulty water heater in the family's new home, but was taken to the world-renowned Johns Hopkins Hospital, where she made a remarkable recovery. But as she was preparing to leave, the hospital's system of communication broke down and Josie was given a fatal shot of methadone, sending her into cardiac arrest. Within forty-eight hours, the King family went from planning a homecoming to planning a funeral. Dizzy with grief and close to ending her marriage, Sorrel slowly pulled herself and her life back together. Accepting Hopkins' settlement, she and her husband established the Josie King Foundation. They began to implement basic programs in hospitals emphasizing communication between patients, family, and medical staff--practices which can now be found in hospitals around the country. The account of one woman's unlikely path from full-time mom to nationally renowned patient advocate, Josie's Story is the inspirational chronicle of how a mother--and her unforgettable daughter--are transforming the face of American medicine.

Praise For…

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Sorrel King is a heroic figure in the healthcare movement. Josie's story and Sorrel's determination are making care safer for millions of patients. At its core, this is a powerful and immensely moving love story.”Charles Kenney, Quality and Safety Consultant to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts

Josie’s story has served as a beacon for me and thousands of other healthcare professionals.”Dr. Louise Liang, former Senior Vice President, Quality and Clinical Systems Support, Kaiser Permanente

Sorrell’s story . . . teaches us that listening is as important as doing, reminding us that our learning is a journey, and that our true teachers sit in front of us in hospital beds and on exam tables each day.”Dr. David Shulkin, President and CEO, Beth Israel Medical Center, NY

I am confident that Sorrel has saved countless lives by sharing her story and challenging physicians and administrators to critically examine how they provide care. She made a difference for our children’s hospital and we are forever grateful.”Craig Cordola, CEO, Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital of Houston, TX