Hospital President and CEO Dr. Shubhada Jagasia said the facility became aware of the “event” on the same day it occurred and self-reported the error to state regulators.
The incident occurred on August 14 at Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown, when four patients undergoing joint replacement procedures received doses of potassium instead of standard pain medication. The operations were intended to be outpatient procedures, meaning patients were expected to return home the same day.
Potassium is an essential mineral that supports normal heart and nerve function. However, high levels of potassium can cause serious complications, including cardiac arrest. Potassium chloride is also one of the drugs used in some lethal injections.
According to WTVF, two of the patients were paralyzed as a result of the mix-up, while another was admitted to the intensive care unit. Among the patients was 72-year-old Gelnda Dotron, who was undergoing knee replacement surgery. While the surgery itself was successful, the medication mix-up reportedly left her paralyzed, and her long-term prognosis remains unclear.
Her family said in a statement that she is now facing “a long and uncertain recovery.”
Hospital President and CEO Dr. Shubhada Jagasia said the facility became aware of the “event” on the same day it occurred and self-reported the error to state regulators. The cause of the mix-up was not identified.
“We identified the cause and have implemented corrective safeguards," Jagasia said. He also said that his clinical teams are "actively using these enhanced safety protocols to ensure the highest level of safety.”
"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,” his statement added.
The incident is under investigation by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
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