Researchers and doctors know that weekend hospitalizations are dangerous to your health. There are fewer staff, access to procedures are limited and oversight is less. In fact,one study in 2007 found, for example, that for every 1,000 patients suffering heart attacks who were admitted to a hospital on a weekend, there were 9 to 10 more deaths than in a comparable group of patients admitted on a weekday.
On the other hand, weekend surgery is a big opportunity for maximizing healthcare utilization and for accomodating those who want global healthcare services. By scheduling patients for care during periods of underutilized capacity, providers can reduce overhead costs and provide more personalized services
BOTTOM LINE: Healthcare is a 24/7/365 global industry. There will need to be significant changes in policy, procedures and incentives to staff if appropriately.
