Surgical Errors
Hospital Fined for 3rd Brain Surgery Error
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November 27th, 2007
"Health Department Concerned after Hospital Mistake"
A hospital in Rhode Island received a reprimand and a $50,000 fine from the state Department of Health after a doctor performed surgery on the wrong side of a patient’s brain. It was the third brain surgery error to occur at the hospital this year.
“We are extremely concerned about this continuing pattern,” said David R. Gifford, director of the state health department.
The Most Recent Mistake
According to the health department, an 82-year-old patient survived an operation on the wrong side of the brain last Friday. Rhode Island Hospital’s chief resident was conducting the surgery.
A Patient Death
Two similar incidents happened at the hospital earlier this year—first in February and then again in August. Both procedures were performed by different doctors. The patient who underwent neurosurgery in February survived, but the second time it happened, the patient died.
Safety Measures Needed
At that time, the state ordered the hospital to take safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future. In response to this most recent mistake, the hospital issued a statement saying it was reconsidering its policies and procedures.
(Source: Associated Press)
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