In what could be a disastrous and highly consequential medical error, an elderly woman is now paralyzed from the chest down. Glenda Dorton, 72, is in that condition allegedly because she was given the wrong drug in a Nashville, Tennessee, hospital. Per WSMV4, "Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown says at least four patients were left harmed during an unspecified event, and the family of one of those patients says their loved one is now paralyzed."
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Dorton's family reportedly shared with the outlet that she went to the hospital for knee replacement surgery. She allegedly should have been given an epidural for pain management. Her family claims that potassium chloride was administered to Glenda Dorton by mistake. She is being cared for in the ICU, according to her daughter. Dorton's prognosis, and to what extent she may recover, is evidently unclear at this time.
A Top Hospital Executive Made a Statement About the Situation
Dr. Shubhada Jagasia, who is the president and CEO of Ascension Saint Thomas, made this statement, per the outlet. "On behalf of our leadership and care teams, I am deeply sorry for the harm caused to our patients. 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."
Furthermore, Dr. Jagasia mentioned, "Our hearts are with the four patients and their families impacted by this event...Providing safe, high-quality care is at the core of everything we do, and any gap in meeting that standard receives our immediate, uncompromising attention. We remain committed to supporting those affected and upholding the highest standards of safety for every person who trusts us with their care."
It is unclear exactly what happened to the other patients who were affected and what their condition is. Ascension has not provided any information about them. That is because of patient confidentiality.
Potassium Chloride Can Be Very Harmful in Some Situations
The outlet refers to potassium chloride as "'extremely dangerous' when administered incorrectly." It was reportedly formerly used for lethal injections in Tennessee executions.
Per WSMV4, the hospital reportedly informed state regulators of the problem right away. Additionally, Ascension Saint Thomas investigated it themselves. "Safeguards" have now been imposed. What they are is unclear.
