The physician, who has not been named, admitted in a hospital report obtained by WTVF that he mixed up the babies. “I had asked for the wrong infant,” he wrote, according to the report. “I had likely performed the procedure on an infant different than the one I intended to … and I admitted my mistake and apologized.”
The physician had performed a frenulectomy — a procedure that involves cutting a flap of skin from beneath the tongue. This procedure is performed on infants born with a condition that restricts the tongue’s range of motion — a procedure Jennifer Melton’s baby did not require.
Ms. Melton’s attorney Clint Kelly categorized the physician’s actions as reckless and inexcusable.
The University Medical Center declined to comment to WTVF on the incident due to federal privacy regulations.
According to the Joint Commission, wrong-patient, wrong-site and wrong-procedure were the second most common sentinel event reported in 2015.
More articles on infection control:
American Epilepsy Society provides updated guideline to help physicians treat patients — 5 facts
Patients face higher mortality risk if nurses care for 7+ patients: 3 takeaways
Hawaii Department of Health improves vital records online ordering: 5 takeaways
Becker’s 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit is the top tier event that the people leading the future of pharmacy convene. This 3-day event is built specifically for Chief Pharmacy Officers and senior pharmacy leaders. The sessions examine the workforce, financial and clinical priorities shaping pharmacy today. Becker’s is where candid discussions flourish and new ideas thrive. Becker's 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit
