Rhode Island Hospital Fined for Wrong-Site Surgery
The Associated Press reports that Rhode Island's largest hospital was recently fined $150,000 and ordered to install video cameras in all its operating rooms after surgeons at the hospital performed their fifth wrong-site surgery since 2007. This is Rhode Island Hospital's second fine for wrong-site surgeries. The hospital was also fined $50,000 after its brain surgeons operated on the wrong part of the heads of three patients in 2007. The most recent incident apparently involved a patient who was scheduled to have surgery on two fingers. The surgeon performed both surgeries on the same finger instead.
These incidents show nothing short of a complete breakdown in protocols and procedures at this Rhode Island hospital. The surgical team failed to mark the proper part where the surgery was to take place. The team also did not take the necessary "timeout" to make sure they were operating on the correct body part.
These wrong-site surgeries occur commonly nationwide. Most of them can easily be prevented by members of the surgical team communicating properly among themselves and with the families of the patients who are undergoing the surgeries. If a patient is seriously injured as a result of a wrong-site surgery or is forced to undergo additional procedures as a result, he or she can file a medical malpractice claim against the hospital.
If you are the victim of a botched surgery, please contact an experienced NY medical malpractice attorney at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro LLP. We will analyze your claim and have it thoroughly examined by an expert to ensure the best possible result in your case. We will make sure that you receive fair compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings and other serious losses you have suffered as a result of the botched surgery. Call us today at 212-986-7353 for a free consultation.
Source: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/11/02/health/main5501709.shtml
