Health
Tennessee hospital pharmacy mix-up injures four surgery patients, causing paralysis
Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown in Nashville confirmed that four patients received incorrect spinal injections during joint replacement operations.
The short version
- Four patients undergoing routine joint replacement surgeries at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown in Nashville were injected with potassium phosphate instead of an anesthetic.
- At least one patient suffered paralysis from the chest down, and a second patient was also reportedly paralyzed.
- The hospital reported the mistake to state regulators and instituted additional safeguards, while the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation opened a formal inquiry.
Key facts
- Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown acknowledged a pharmacy error resulting in potassium phosphate being administered into the spines of four joint replacement patients instead of an anesthetic.[Fox News]
- The family of one patient stated that she lost all sensation below her breastbone following the injection, and media reports indicate a second patient was also paralyzed.[Fox News]
- The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation initiated an investigation after receiving a referral from the Tennessee Healthcare Facilities Commission.[Fox News]
- Hospital president and CEO Dr. Shubhada Jagasia stated that the facility self-reported the incident to regulators, determined the root cause, and introduced enhanced safety protocols.[Fox News]