Patients from Haiti being treated at University of Michigan Hospital
Two patients from Haiti were transported using the University of Michigan Health System's fixed-wing aircraft pictured above. Courtesy | University of Michigan
Two patients from Haiti were transported by the University of Michigan Health System's fixed-wing aircraft to the Ann Arbor hospital and are receiving "advanced specialized treatment" there, the health system said in a statement today.
The university said the patients are being treated for injuries that require complex care available at few medical centers around the country.
"Due to privacy laws, we are not releasing further details about the patients or their injuries at this time, the statement said. "However, we are proud to play this small role in the world's response to the massive tragedy in Haiti, and to offer our air medical transport and our care to these patients. We stand ready to help further if we are asked again by the federal government."
Tina Reed covers health and the environment for AnnArbor.com. You can reach her at tinareed@annarbor.com, call her at 734-623-2535 or find her on Twitter @TreedinAA.
Comments
Cici
Sun, Jan 24, 2010 : 1:52 p.m.
I too think this story is awful thin. My personal reaction was 'what a public relations stint for media attention'. But I AM biased. When I was a UM employee and a medical volunteer to Haiti for weeks at a time (using my vacation time naturally), I once asked my department head if they might be able to donate a few supplies I could take or ship which I would need. The answer was "The mission of this hospital is not treating patients in Haiti!" Hmm...... Double-speak here?? I saw patients dying the day I walked into the hospital, and pain medication, adequate antibiotics etc. lacking. I would say more but it would not be very complimentary... As for the above article: How expensive to fly such a plane from Michigan and back, when UM Hospital wouldn't even donate a box of gloves.
Stephen Cain
Thu, Jan 21, 2010 : 10:20 p.m.
The story is awfully thin. U-M could have said lots more without violating patient privacy. E.g. How did they happen to chose U-M? Did the U-M volunteer or did someone ask the University?Were they accompanied? And if so, would they be available for an interview? Who's footing the bill? There is one U-M connection to Haiti: Papa Doc, before he became president for life, was brought to the U-M and enrolled in the School of Public Health to work on a master's. He had previously done some work on yaws in Haiti and was a fairly important fellow back there. He was such an indifferent student, the dean couldn't stomach the thought of giving him a degree. Instead, they gave him a fancy and impressive-looking certificate which, when you plowed through the double talk, said that he had attended. If we never spent a dime on anyone other than ourselves until we took care of all of our own, we'd never spend a dime on anyone other than ourselves.
Cash
Thu, Jan 21, 2010 : 4:40 p.m.
Kayjay, I think you are incorrect about CNN. I think it's pretty hard on our president as it was on his predecessor. Whether you like the health plan or not, there seems to be little talk about Americans dying from lack of health care. And as an American dies from lack of health care, I'm guessing they think the suffering is quite severe.
Kayjay
Thu, Jan 21, 2010 : 4:02 p.m.
Personally I am against the proposed health care plan in its current form. I am surprised of your choice in using CNN to illustrate your example. CNN is one of the media sympathetic to Obama & his cohorts. Fox New Channel, which I love, is more suitable in your comment. But please be kinder to those who are suffering severely.
stonecutter1
Thu, Jan 21, 2010 : 3:53 p.m.
Agree with above posts. I have no problem with my tax dollars helping these people, but Americans should be treated at least as well!
Cash
Thu, Jan 21, 2010 : 3:31 p.m.
Well, I'm all for treating the Haitians and applaud the effort that we are making as Americans...the donations from Americans are wonderful.I'll bet many "tea party" people are donating too. Isn't it interesting though how the hearts of all Americans pour out for the suffering of these people and yet every day more and more Americans die from lack of health care....and people actually are fighting the effort to provide them with insurance/care? Perhaps CNN should start going into American homes and showing the suffering people who cannot afford to receive treatment for their illnesses and are dying. But what sponsor would pay for that show? BCBS?
wln15
Thu, Jan 21, 2010 : 3:24 p.m.
We can't even take care of our fellow citizens, but our taxes will pay for Haitians....interesting. Not to say the Haitians are unimportant, but why are Americans so sympathetic to these people when we have people starving and homeless without access to proper medical care in our own backyards?!!?
Davidian
Thu, Jan 21, 2010 : 3:21 p.m.
What about all of the US citizens that are suffering from poverty, economic collapse, violence, etc? Sorry, but Americans first.
Dot
Thu, Jan 21, 2010 : 3:09 p.m.
oops - "hear" not "here"
Dot
Thu, Jan 21, 2010 : 3:02 p.m.
stonecutter1 - sad, but true. it wouldn't have the drama and hero factors. I'm glad to here that these humans are getting help.
stonecutter1
Thu, Jan 21, 2010 : 2:28 p.m.
I wonder where they would send some schmo U.S. taxpayer who couldn't afford health insurance? Certainly not UM!
stevek
Thu, Jan 21, 2010 : 1:54 p.m.
I wonder what will happen to them once they have recovered?