In a statement released July 10, 2008, Texas Hospital, Christus Spohn, indicated that the recent heparin overdose of 17 children in its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, was a result of an error that occurred during the mixing process in its hospital pharmacy. (See 07/10/08 Christus Spohn Statement.) While the hospital claims this mistake in mixing was unrelated to product labeling or packaging, (which has recently resulted in similar deaths), it has not released details as to how the “mixing error,” occurred.

Likewise, in true defense fashion, the Texas Hospital is quick to speculate publicly that the heparin overdose of twins Keith and Kaylyn Garcia, (which was 100 times stronger than recommended), did not directly result in their deaths, before the conclusion of any autopsies. Relatives of the twins had planned a baby shower for their mother today, instead their funerals will be held. (7/11/08 ABC news, “Hospital Error Blamed for More Infant Overdoes.”)

If hospitals spent as much time figuring out ways to eliminate and reduce errors, as setting up defenses to protect themselves from anticipated future litigation, we would all be safer.

Labels: Baxter, Christus Spohn, Dennis Quaid, heparin attorney, Heparin Class Action, heparin lawsuit, heparin mixing error, kaylyn garcia, keith garcia, nightline, Scientific Protein Labs