Hospital Admits 2nd Error, This One Fatal
A hospital that amputated the wrong foot of one patient admitted Saturday to a fatal error with another.
Lee Alfonso, 77, died March 3 at University Community Hospital after an employee mistakenly disconnected his respirator, believing he was disconnecting another patient’s respirator, the hospital said in a news release.
The employee, who was not identified, did not consult Alfonso’s medical chart, check his identification bracelet or follow other procedures to confirm his identity beforehand, the hospital said.
On Feb. 20, a surgeon amputated Willie King’s left leg below the knee, though it was his right leg that was supposed to have been removed. He has been transferred to Tampa General Hospital.
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