San Diego CA medical malpractice: Scripps Mercy fined for misplaced sponge

2010-04-17 15:44:57 (GMT) (JusticeNewsFlash.com - Justice News Flash, Medical Malpractice)

Legal news for California medical malpractice attorneys. The CDHP fined Scripps Mercy Hospital $25,000; second penalty since 2007.

California medical malpractice attorneys alert- The California Department of Public Health fined Scripps Mercy Hospital for leaving a surgical sponge inside a patient.

San Diego, CA—State regulators with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) fined Scripps Mercy Hospital in Hillcrest $25,000, after leaving a surgical sponge inside a patient. The sponge was reportedly left in a patient who underwent a hysterectomy in 2007, as reported by SignOnSanDiego.com.

The CDPH reported the patient had to undergo two additional surgeries after her hysterectomy to remove the sponge. Scripps Mercy Hospital was assessed a $25,000 fine for the mistake, which is reportedly the second penalty issued against the hospital since 2007. In 2007, the CDHP began punishing hospitals and medical centers for preventable mistakes that put patients at serious risk.

Scripps officials stated they reported the misplaced sponge once it was found, in which they quickly addressed the problem. The hospital is now required to implement a plan of correction to prevent similar incidents in the future, as a result of the fine. Hospitals can appeal the penalties by requesting an administrative hearing.

The CDPH has issued nine other citations against six hospitals located outside San Diego County. Hospitals have been issued 114 fines over the past three years. Majority of the fines are for medication errors and for objects mistakenly left inside patients during surgery.

Legal News Reporter: Nicole Howley-Legal news for California medical malpractice lawyers.