Pa. report highlights mistakes at hospital where man died in waiting room, was robbed of watch
By APFriday, January 22, 2010
Report: Pa. hospital erred as dying man was robbed
PHILADELPHIA — A Pennsylvania Health Department report says a nurse twice called the name of a Philadelphia man who died of a heart attack in a hospital waiting room but never went to look for him.
The report issued Thursday found that hospital staff first called 63-year-old Joaquin (wah-KEEN’) Rivera’s name 17 minutes after he arrived at Aria Health’s Frankford campus on Nov. 28. He had already stopped moving.
Hospital personnel checked on Rivera an hour after he arrived only when another patient alerted staff he wasn’t moving.
Police say Rivera’s watch was stolen after he lost consciousness. Three people have been charged.
Hospital officials say they have taken steps to avoid similar incidents. Two employees have been suspended.
The hospital has until March 1 to take corrective action or face fines.
