The holiday season is often a time of joy and reflection, but for many patients who require medical care, it can also be a time of heightened risk. Hospitals and medical centers face significant challenges during weekends and holidays, with research showing higher rates of complications, poorer outcomes, and delayed care. Unfortunately, for those in need of urgent or necessary care, these risks are unavoidable—and can lead to preventable medical errors.
Increased Risks During Weekends and Holidays
Concerning statistics, revealed in a 14-year Canadian cohort study of over 200,000 patients discharged during the December holiday period, highlighted alarming trends: patients were less likely to receive timely follow-up care and faced increased risks of readmission or death within 30 days. While this study was conducted in Canada, its findings underscore risks relevant to healthcare systems worldwide, including the United States.
Supporting evidence is seen in a study published in The American Journal of Medicine which revealed that patients admitted on weekends experienced higher risk-adjusted mortality than those admitted on weekdays. Similarly, a systematic review in Patient Safety in Surgery found that postoperative mortality increases significantly for surgeries performed later in the week.
Why Do Outcomes Worsen During These Times?
Several factors contribute to these concerning statistics:
- Reduced Staffing: Hospitals often operate with skeleton crews during weekends and holidays. Experienced physicians, specialists, and senior staff may be out on vacation, leaving less experienced medical providers to handle critical cases. This can result in delayed assessments, diagnostics, and treatments.
- Limited Access to Specialized Services: Diagnostic tools, surgical teams, and certain therapies may not be readily available during off-peak times, causing dangerous delays in care.
- Overcrowding and Resource Strain: Holiday periods often see spikes in hospital visits due to seasonal accidents, illnesses, and other emergencies, stretching resources thin.
- Experience Gaps: Temporary or less experienced staff members are often called in, which can elevate the risk of errors in patient care.
Medical Negligence or Bad Timing? Understanding Poor Outcomes
While patients don’t have the luxury of choosing when to seek emergency care, it’s important to distinguish between poor outcomes due to systemic challenges and those caused by preventable medical errors. Not every complication is the result of negligence, but systemic pressures during the holidays often create conditions ripe for mistakes.
Medical negligence occurs when a healthcare provider or hospital fails to meet the accepted standard of care, causing preventable harm to a patient. Examples might include:
- Misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose serious conditions in time.
- Delayed or inappropriate treatment due to staffing shortages.
- Inadequate patient monitoring leading to complications.
Tips for Patients: Protect Yourself During the Holidays
While emergencies can strike unexpectedly, patients can take steps to minimize risks and advocate for their health during weekends or holidays:
- Schedule Elective Procedures Wisely: If possible, avoid scheduling elective surgeries or hospital visits around weekends, Christmas, or New Year’s when resources are limited.
- Enlist an Advocate: Having a trusted family member or friend with you ensures someone can ask questions, monitor care, and speak up if something seems wrong.
- Remain Vigilant: Pay attention to your treatment and recovery process. If you notice delayed care or improper procedures, ask for clarification or escalate concerns to senior staff.
- Plan Ahead: For chronic conditions or ongoing medical needs, work with your doctors to establish a care plan that minimizes your reliance on emergency visits during the holidays.
Why Seek Legal Advice After a Poor Outcome?
If you or a loved one suffered harm in a hospital over the holidays, consulting with an experienced medical malpractice attorney can provide clarity. Experienced attorneys can:
- Review your case with medical experts to identify if a breach of care occurred.
- Determine accountability for errors, negligence, or systemic failures.
- Pursue compensation for injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional suffering.
A legal investigation can also bring closure by answering critical questions: Did the hospital do all it could? Was the outcome preventable? For many families, holding medical providers accountable not only provides justice but also helps improve care for future patients.
Final Thoughts
For patients, the holidays should be a time of peace and celebration—not worry about preventable hospital harm. However, systemic challenges in healthcare during this season create heightened risks that cannot be ignored. By staying informed, advocating for your care, and seeking help when needed, you can better protect yourself and your loved ones.
If you’ve experienced a poor outcome during holiday medical care, Van Wey, Metzler & Williams is here to help. Our experienced medical malpractice attorneys are committed to holding healthcare providers accountable and ensuring patients receive the justice they deserve.
