The recent passing of former state representative Peter Batula brings me sadness and deep regret. Our small organization would like to share some of the important work he did on behalf of New Hampshire patients and health care consumers.
Batula worked with us to shepherd three important patient safety laws through the state legislature from 2009 to 2012. Public hospital infection reporting, adverse event reporting (serious medical errors), and funding to implement the hospital infection reporting law were all passed, thanks to his leadership and outspoken support for transparency and reducing patient harm. The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services tracks data and produces annual public reports on these two important patient safety issues thanks to these state laws.
Batula’s kindness, integrity and dedication to current research and scientific evidence withstood the opposition. He was steadfast in his messaging that supported not only patient safety, but reducing health care costs from preventable complications. Most of all, he took the time to listen to patient stories, and acted on their behalf.
Our sincerest sympathy goes out to his family, colleagues and friends.
LORI NERBONNE
Bow
(The writer is co-founder of New Hampshire Patient Voices.)