7News has learned the Department of Public Health is reviewing what happened inside an operating room at a hospital in Worcester.
It’s a startling allegation that a surgeon at Saint Vincent Hospital operated on the wrong patient, and removed that patient’s kidney.
7News asked a spokesperson from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health if the allegations are true, and if they are investigating.
They responded with the following:
“DPH is aware of this incident, and it is currently under review.”
A spokesperson for Saint Vincent Hospital would not confirm the allegations, but gave the following statement:
“Due to patient privacy laws we are unable to comment on specific patient cases. The staff at Saint Vincent Hospital is committed to providing high-quality care to everyone we serve.”
7News has asked the hospital on its procedure to verify a patient’s identity but has so far not received a response.
Late Wednesday, Saint Vincent Hospital released this follow up statement:
“This is a deeply unfortunate situation involving a patient misidentification that took place outside of our hospital and did not involve our employees. Our staff followed proper protocols in preparing for and performing the surgery, which was scheduled by the patient’s physician at our hospital.
Saint Vincent Hospital is committed to providing safe, high-quality care to every patient who enters our doors. We are saddened that this incident occurred and our leadership continues to assure the individual receives the support and care needed.”
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