Man Falls From Operating Table and Dies – An Event That Never Should Have Happened
You would think that when you go to the hospital for a routine procedure that the medical staff would do what it could to protect you – regardless of your size. Unfortunately, a recent incident in Minnesota paints a different, more frightening picture.
Sixty-one-year-old Max DeVries from St. Paul, Minnesota went to St. Joseph’s Hospital for a routine surgery following a stroke. While he lay on the operating table, under the effects of anesthesia, he fell and hit his head on the floor. The 300-pound man suffered severe and significant bleeding after he smacked his head in the same place that doctors had previously removed part of the skull. He later died from a massive stroke.
Apparently, the man was secured by Velcro straps that had failed. His family has filed a lawsuit claiming that the fall caused or contributed to his death.
The hospital has been accused of not having appropriate facilities and equipment to operate on overweight patients. Mr. Vries’ family contends that the tables were not wide enough and the straps that were used were the incorrect size. They were allegedly told by the hospital that the straps were not strong enough to hold the patient.
What does the hospital have to say for itself? Well, according to a hospital statement, it is conducting an investigation. Really? After all these months that’s the best the hospital can do?
This case goes on the list of the “never should have happened” events. Put it right up there with wrong site surgery.