Hospital officials said the 15-year-old patient tampered with the building’s fire alarm, which caused the doors to unlock, allowing her to exit the mental health facility. She was struck by a vehicle traveling on a nearby interstate.
Shodair Children’s is conducting an internal investigation into the incident. CEO Craig Aasved said the hospital paused inpatient admissions to focus on the well-being of its 71 current patients.
“We’re trying to control an environment right now that is pretty tense, pretty stressed,” he told the Independent Record July 16. “And [we’re] looking out for the people in our care right now without adding any more to that.”
The hospital is also working with fire officials to consider alternate placements for fire alarms and notified all appropriate agencies of the patient death.
More articles on clinical leadership and infection control:
San Francisco hospital CEO resigns amid patient abuse scandal
Flu shot was 29% effective this season, CDC says
Nurses teach physicians how to talk to patients with anti-vaccination concerns
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.