<human>: I have an odd question. I know someone who is a surgical nurse at a very well known hospital in Southern Cal.

It seems it is common practice for the surgeons to be performing surgery for well over 24 hours straight (sometimes over 30+ hours).  The surgeons will commonly perform multiple procedures in one stretch without any kind of a break.  Each procedure might be 8-10 hours, so they will schedule 2 or 3 patients back to back.

This doesn't seem safe as everyone will get fatigued after some time and start making mistakes (my friend agrees).  There have been a number of incidences that have lead to complications, further surgeries and even an occasional death - however, it gets "covered" up by the medical team and the patient or their family is not aware the Dr. may not have had any sleep before starting their procedure.

My friend has expressed their concern to the hospital administrator many times but nothing changes.

I know there was a recent change in the total hours a resident can work (24 hours max) - but I haven't seen any limitations on how long a surgeon can work in one stretch.  So, I don't think there is any specific law against this, but wouldn't this be considered negligence or recklessness or something?

Can you give me a shortened version of the text?
<bot>: Surgeons working 30+ hours and making mistakes - patients unaware, hospital covers it up.   Is this considered negligent or reckless?