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Woman Says Mother-in-Law Paralyzed After Receiving Potassium During Surgery at Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown
Hospital officials said the pharmacy error affected at least four patients and left one woman paralyzed from the chest down.
On August 14, four patients suffered harm at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown in Nashville during joint replacement surgeries, with 72-year-old Glenda Dorton left paralyzed from the chest down.
Syringes intended for epidural anesthetic were filled with potassium rather than bupivacaine, an error originating in the pharmacy. Medical staff halted surgeries after two patients experienced similar complications.
Ascension Saint Thomas President and CEO Dr. Shubhada Jagasia apologized Tuesday, stating "I am deeply sorry for the harm caused to our patients." The hospital self-reported the incident and implemented enhanced safety protocols.
Dorton was transferred to Ascension Saint Thomas West and remains in the intensive care unit. Her family is consulting with legal counsel regarding the medication error.
State regulators launched an investigation into the incident at the Nashville facility. Authorities have declined to elaborate on findings, confirming only that an active inquiry is underway.