Middlesex (Conn.) Hospital has submitted corrective action plans following a patient death linked by the state to failures in monitoring abnormal vital signs and policy violations, the Hartford Courant reported July 8.
According to the Connecticut Department of Public Health, the patient died April 22, 2024, after hospital staff failed to monitor the patient’s vital signs and neglected required 15-minute checks while the patient was restrained. A hospital sitter admitted during a state investigation to documenting observations without verifying the patient’s condition and being distracted by her cellphone.
As a result, DPH designated the hospital as being in “immediate jeopardy” June 14, 2024, a term used when hospital noncompliance poses a risk of serious harm or death. However, four days later the designation was lifted after confirming Middlesex had taken emergency corrective steps.
In addition, the state agency cited the hospital for other lapses, including failure to investigate multiple patient abuse allegations, improper use of restraints, insufficient nurse training and failure to respond to emergency triage calls.
Sarah Cody, director of public relations for Middlesex Health, said in an email to Becker’s, “Due to privacy laws, we are unable to comment on specific cases … Our dedicated providers, nurses, and clinical teams work tirelessy 24/7/365 to provide safe, high-quality care to our community. Despite the ever increasing challenges of today’s healthcare system, Middlesex Health remains one of the highest-quality hospitals in the state of Connecticut. We are proud to be a six-time Magnet-designated hospital, and to have achieved a Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade A for nine consecutive terms. We are also a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, and a pillar within the community.”
