Question

In May 2013, Patient Smith had surgery with employed physicians at CCA Memorial Hospital to remove part of her seventh rib because of a precancerous lesion. But instead, physicians removed part of her eighth rib. This is surprising, because the correct rib had been marked before surgery with metal coils and dye. Patient Smith will have to undergo a second surgery to remove the correct rib. The Risk Management Department at CCA is trying to determine how to proceed.

Part 1: Should CCA Memorial consider this a Sentinel Event and why?

Part 2: For Part 2 let’s assume CCA Memorial considers this is a Sentinel Event, should they report it to the Joint Commission and do you believe reporting to the Joint Commission helps reduce errors and makes hospitals safer?

Part 3: Who should be held liable for the mistake, the hospital, the physicians, both or no one? Do you need more facts to make a decision and if so what other facts would you need to make a determination.

Answer 1

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