Albert Lea Medical Center CEO Mark Ciota made a great point about the reports hospitals are required to provide on medical mishaps with hospital patients.

The hospital had no mishaps in the latest reporting period between Oct. 6, 2006, and Oct. 7, 2005.

Ciota said, &8220;It indicates we are continually trying to improve. The processes in place are efficient, but there&8217;s always room to improve. We want to get the number to zero statewide.&8221;

Getting the number to zero statewide is right. It&8217;s not just about how well Albert Lea Medical Center performed. It&8217;s about how well the medical community in Minnesota could perform.

The law enacted in 2003 required hospital to report mistakes, which the law calls &8220;adverse events.&8221; The benefit is the reports have improved hospital safety. The numbers statewide have increased, but likely it is a result of improved understanding of the law as well as better understanding of it.

You can help Minnesota hospitals reach zero mistakes. You&8217;ve heard it before, too: Don&8217;t be afraid to ask questions when you see doctors. They are the experts, but remember it is your body. You know it better than anyone. The more questions you ask the doctors, the more the doctors can help you.