MDH Investigates Regions Hospital Neglect Cases

MINNEAPOLIS - The state has determined Regions Hospital is to blame for the death of one patient and second degree burns to another.

These ruling were released by the state Tuesday.

The patients’ identities are not included in the report but the details of what each went through are thoroughly described.

In December, the Minnesota Department of Health visited Regions Hospital for three separate investigations.

One case involved a woman who came to Regions Hospital in December of 2007 for a routine lymph node biopsy on the back of her neck.

A fire sparked while the woman was face down on the operating table, resulting in second degree burns on her nose and mouth.

Investigators from the MDH determined the hospital failed to ensure patients safety during her surgery.

The victim saying she couldn't comment because of a pending lawsuit.

A second investigative report involves a man who came to Regions Hospital in April of last year after being hit by a car.

Employees and a physician interviewed told investigators the patient's oximeter alarms were routinely silenced by nursing staff without assessments being done.

This patient died shortly after returning from an x-ray and the state determined neglect did occur.

The Department of Health also investigated a third case in which a woman was dropped off to her nursing home after a visit to the hospital.

Investigators tried to find out if the woman was truly left outside from 2 a.m. to 5 a.m. in early November.

Statement from Regions Hospital about these investigations

“We deeply regret these incidents occurred. Patient safety is a top priority, and while we disagree with the conclusions in the MDH report, we have taken additional steps to further enhance patient safety and care. For privacy concerns, we can’t comment on the specific details about the care provided.”

The reports state Regions Hospital has corrected the problems and will not be subject to state or federal licensing actions.