Kent Hospital under fire for errors

WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) - The Rhode Island Health Department has ordered Kent Hospital in Warwick to make some changes after it uncovered several problems with the facility's radiology department.

HEALTH began investigating after Kent reported a wrong-site procedure. A patient had a long-term IV catheter inserted into the incorrect arm. While health officials were conducting that incident, the hospital reported a second case where a patient had dye for an x-ray injected into the wrong hip.

(Click here to see the complete deficiency report.)

Among the problems detected, according to the health department, were failure to follow established hospital time out procedures for six of eight cases reviewed; radiology equipment that had not been inspected or had out-of-date inspections; and unqualified staff using radiology equipment.

In response, the health department put Kent's Interventional Radiology Department on probation for at least six months. In addition, each of the radiologists in the department will be reviewed by the Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline to determine if disciplinary action is needed. The hospital also had to sign a consent agreement, outlining corrective steps it will take.

"With the recent state-wide focus of preventing medical errors in hospital operating rooms, this is particularly concerning," said Director of Health David R. Gifford, MD, MPH.

Kent Hospital CEO Sandra Coletta issued the following statement:

"In response to the Department of Health’s recent review with issues specifically found in our Interventional Radiology Department, we are working with DOH, our interventional radiologists, hospital staff and employees to ensure all of their recommendations are immediately addressed and to strictly adhere to our own protocols which strive to make the hospital the safest possible environment for our patients.

In addition, prior to entering into today’s consent agreement with the Department of Health, the hospital established voluntary measures to ensure that all staff fully understand and implement all related policies. We also continue to observe cases performed in this department to ensure full compliance with safety protocols.

The health and safety of our patients is the number one priority. We are taking this opportunity to strengthen hospital policies that serve to protect our patients and guide our staff in the important work they do everyday."