An Unfortunate Medical Mishap
An investigation is currently underway following a grave medical error involving the wrong blood transfusion of a patient in Greece. This incident has resulted in the intubation of a 62-year-old woman at Tzaneio Hospital, located in the bustling port city of Piraeus.
Health authorities have initiated an internal probe to ascertain whether the established protocols were adhered to when the woman received blood meant for another patient, as reported by Kathimerini newspaper.
The Patient’s Condition
The patient, whose identity remains undisclosed, sought medical attention on Tuesday after experiencing a loss of strength in her left arm. A subsequent brain X-ray revealed bleeding, leading to her referral to the neurology department.
Director’s Statement
Hospital Director Anastasios Mytoglou clarified that the error occurred when one of the three nurses on duty mistakenly administered blood intended for a different patient.
Following the incorrect transfusion, the patient exhibited severe symptoms and had to be intubated. Additional tests indicated an escalation in the cerebral bleeding, necessitating urgent surgery. While her condition is stable, it remains critical.
Survival Odds and Legal Perspective
CHANCE OF SURVIVAL 5 PERCENT
Athanasios Alexopoulos, the family’s legal representative, informed the newspaper that the medical team estimates the patient’s survival odds at a mere 5 percent, due to damage affecting five organ systems.
Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis commented on the incident, describing it as a human error. He noted, “The silver lining in this unfortunate situation is that the nurse, who confessed to the mistake, recognized it rapidly, within just three minutes.”
Staffing Challenges in Healthcare
CLAIMS OF STAFF SHORTAGES
At the time of the incident, the hospital shift comprised one nurse and two assistants. Giorgos Avramidi, President of the Greek Nurses’ Union, highlighted that Greece faces the most severe nurse staffing shortages in Europe. Ideally, there should be one nurse for every 1-5 patients; however, in Greece, the ratio is often one nurse per 20-30 patients.
Minister Georgiadis emphasized that should the investigation uncover protocol violations, those accountable will face stringent disciplinary actions.
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