A new study suggests that much is lacking in the California prison healthcare system, including the ability to prevent non-fatal conditions from escalating into death. The study found that as many as one in six deaths of the state's prison inmates may have been preventable.
The report, which was issued by the court, found widespread problems, including a pattern of diagnostic delays, poor medical access and a failure to recognize and treat dangerous conditions. The study focused in on 18 preventable deaths, including six from asthma, the treatment of which will be a priority as the receiver restructures the delivery system.
To learn more about the situation:
- read this Los Angeles Times item
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