NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — A 72-year-old Middle Tennessee woman is paralyzed after what her family says was a medication mix-up at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown that affected four patients and prompted a state investigation.
Glenda Dorton, an avid gardener from Centerville, went to the Nashville hospital Aug. 14 for what was supposed to be a routine knee replacement surgery.
72-year-old Glenda Dorton, pictured in the middle, was left paralyzed after alleged drug mix-up at Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown. (Photo courtesy Kristina Dorton)
Her daughter-in-law, Kristina Dorton, confirmed to FOX 17 News that before the surgery began, Glenda was given potassium instead of the anesthetic intended for an epidural procedure.
“Instead of the anesthetic that was going into her spine for that epidural procedure, before the surgery even started, it was potassium,” Kristina Dorton said.
Potassium chloride can be extremely dangerous when administered incorrectly. It has also been used as a part of Tennessee’s lethal injection protocol in the past. Now, the state uses a different drug for executions.
MORE | Nashville nurse imposter sentenced to four years supervised probation
Kristina said the family was told the medication came directly from the pharmacy and stressed that they do not blame Glenda’s doctors, anesthesiologist or immediate care team.
According to Kristina, hospital employees told the family three other patients undergoing joint surgeries that day were treated with what employees described to them as “contaminated vials.” Surgeries were halted after medical staff noticed two patients experiencing similar complications, she said.
A 72-year-old Middle Tennessee woman is paralyzed after what her family says was a medication mix-up at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown that affected four patients and prompted a state investigation. (Photo: FOX 17 News)
Ascension Saint Thomas confirmed four patients were affected by an incident but has not publicly detailed exactly what went wrong or the conditions of the other three patients.
In a statement to FOX 17 News, Dr. Shubhada Jagasia, president and CEO of Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown, apologized for the harm caused.
“Our hearts are with the four patients and their families impacted by this event,” Dr. Jagasia said. “On behalf of our leadership and care teams, I am deeply sorry for the harm caused to our patients.”
Dr. Jagasia said hospital leaders met directly with each affected family and provided access to resources and ongoing care. The hospital said it self-reported the incident to state regulators the same day it occurred and launched an investigation.
“We identified the cause and have implemented corrective safeguards,” Dr. Jagasia said.
Ascension did not disclose what investigators determined caused the incident or specifically what safeguards were put in place. Dr. Jagasia said the hospital’s clinical teams are now using “enhanced safety protocols” at its Midtown facility.
Family says Dorton woke up unable to move
Despite the medication issue, Dorton’s knee replacement surgery went forward and initially appeared to have gone well, according to her family.
But when she woke up in recovery, Dorton could not move or feel anything from her sternum down.
She was rushed to Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital West, where her family says doctors placed her on a ventilator and drained spinal fluid in an effort to remove excess potassium. She was also given a high dose of steroids in hopes of reversing the damage.
The ventilator was removed Aug. 15, but Dorton still could not move her lower body or feel anything from her rib cage down, her family said.
72-year-old Glenda Dorton, pictured right alongside her husband Marvin Dorton, was left paralyzed after alleged drug mix-up at Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown. (Photo courtesy Kristina Dorton)
Kristina Dorton said the family was told Aug. 18 that Glenda has T6 paralysis.
Her husband of more than 50 years, Marvin Dorton, has remained at her bedside.
Despite what happened, the family says it is not interested in assigning blame to individual health care workers. Instead, Kristina Dorton said they want to understand how the mistake happened and make sure it cannot happen again.
“We’re not looking to ruin somebody’s life,” she said. “They need to figure it out, so it never happens.”
Dorton also said the hospital has been transparent with the family and told them they will continue to receive updates about the investigation.
Ascension said it would not release specific clinical information about the four patients because of patient privacy.
“We remain committed to supporting those affected and upholding the highest standards of safety for every person who trusts us with their care,” Dr. Jagasia said.