Campobasso– A sensational error at the Cardarelli hospital in Campobasso, where a 67-year-old man was presumed dead due to a mix-up in medical records.
In reality, the patient was alive and already discharged. The incredible story is told by his family, who however do not intend to file a complaint.
The shocking phone call: "Your father is dead."
It all starts with a dramatic phone call received in recent days by a woman from Ripalimosani: "Madam, unfortunately your father has died. He suffered cardiac arrest." The daughter, shocked, runs to the hospital together with her sister, after having even alerted a funeral home.
While the two are talking to a doctor, the unthinkable happens: a call rings on one of the two's phone and the message "Hello" appears on the display. "Dad".
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The man was alive, in fact, already discharged
The elderly man, admitted to the Medicine department, was not only alive, but had even been discharged the same day. The doctors later explained that there had been "an exchange of files with that of the deceased."
An internal investigation has been launched
The Molise Health Authority (ASReM) immediately launched an investigation. "The internal audits," the management explained, "are aimed at shedding light on the obligations required in each Operating Unit.". The Risk Manager audit has been activated and a meeting with clinical risk experts has been scheduled for May 5th.
Gianluca Testa, head of the Medicine department, expressed "dismay" and apologized to the family. "We have initiated all procedures to identify the causes," he said. "The incident appears to be a near miss, a potentially serious error but without consequences. We will further strengthen patient identification procedures."
In the meantime, the affair remains a warning about how even a simple exchange of documents can generate a dramatic misunderstanding.
Comments (1)
It is incredible that such a serious mistake can happen in a hospital. The family members had a normal reaction but I hope that there are better measures to avoid similar situations in the future. Patient safety is the priority.