Family says error at St. Thomas Midtown paralyzed patient
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A Middle Tennessee woman's family said a medical mixup last week at St. Thomas Midtown left her paralyzed following a routine knee replacement surgery.
- In a statement responding to reports about the matter, Ascension St. Thomas confirmed to Axios that an "event" at the hospital had affected four patients. The statement did not disclose the nature or cause of the event.
Driving the news: NewsChannel 5 first reported on the incident Tuesday night, citing the woman's family, who said she got the wrong medication for pain. The Tennessean later identified the patient as Glenda Dorton of Centerville.
- The newspaper talked to a family member who said Dorton was inadvertently treated with "contaminated vials" containing potassium.
- The family told the Tennessean the medicine was injected into her spine, leading to paralysis from her midsection down.
What they're saying: Shubhada Jagasia, the president and CEO at St. Thomas Midtown, said in a statement that the hospital had already reported "the event" to state regulators and "launched a thorough investigation."
- "We identified the cause and have implemented corrective safeguards."
- Jagasia did not give details about the four patients' conditions.
"On behalf of our leadership and care teams, I am deeply sorry for the harm caused to our patients," Jagasia said.
- "We have met directly with each of the families to express our deep support, connected them with spiritual care teams, and ensured they have access to all appropriate resources and ongoing care needed."