An Atlanta hospital faces a lawsuit after allegedly misplacing a patient’s skull segment and subsequently charging $19,000 for its replacement, igniting public outrage.
At a Glance
- A couple is suing Emory University Hospital Midtown for allegedly losing a part of a patient’s skull during surgery.
- Fernando Cluster required emergency brain surgery in September 2022.
- The hospital charged $19,000 for a synthetic bone flap replacement after losing the original.
- The incident has led to significant public outcry and highlighted systemic healthcare flaws.
Couple Sues Atlanta Hospital Over Lost Skull Segment
An Atlanta-based couple is suing Emory University Hospital Midtown, alleging negligence after the hospital misplaced a 12-by-15-centimeter segment of Fernando Cluster’s skull during a September 2022 emergency brain surgery, which was intended to be reattached in a follow-up procedure. The suit claims the mishandling of his skull segment has led to severe health and financial repercussions.
During the follow-up surgery in November 2022, hospital staff could not find the correct bone flap due to incomplete or missing patient identification on several bone flaps in the freezer. As a result, Fernando Cluster was provided a synthetic bone flap, leading to a prolonged hospital stay and an infection that necessitated another surgery.
Patient sues Emory Hospital in Atlanta after it allegedly lost part of his skull https://t.co/Xx3ejwoAcg
— Fox News (@FoxNews) August 19, 2024
Consequences for Fernando Cluster
Fernando Cluster suffered permanent injuries, extended hospitalization, and additional surgeries due to the mishap. The Clusters claim medical expenses exceeding $146,845.60, with Fernando now unable to work, suffering from permanent injuries, and experiencing strained family relationships.
“Emory Healthcare is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care for patients and those we serve in our communities.”
His attorney, Chloe Dallaire, criticized the hospital for its negligence and lack of remorse in billing $19,000 for the synthetic replacement. Emory University Hospital Midtown declined to comment on pending litigation but stated their dedication to high-quality care.
Couple sues Atlanta hospital for allegedly losing part of patient's skull following brain surgery https://t.co/vqWMPSngpl
— NBC Connecticut (@NBCConnecticut) August 18, 2024
Systemic Issues and Public Response
This incident has prompted widespread public outcry about the ethical standards and operating procedures within Emory University Hospital Midtown. Criticism from both the public and professionals emphasizes the necessity for better tracking systems, proper patient identification, and transparency in medical practices.
“Although we were informed yesterday by OR (operating) staff that Mr. Cluster’s bone flap was located and ready for replacement, it could not be found today when preparing for surgery…”
The mishandling of Fernando Cluster’s bone flap exemplifies a systemic failure in the hospital’s processes. The lawsuit, filed in DeKalb County, Georgia, seeks both general and special damages, spotlighting the hospital’s alleged negligence and the broader need for reform in the healthcare industry.
