WMBFNews.com | Myrtle Beach/Florence, SC | News, Weather, SportsMedical mistakes cost RI hospital thousands

Medical mistakes cost RI hospital thousands

(NBC) - A Rhode Island hospital is under careful inspection after an alarming number of medical mistakes.

The first mistake at the prestigious Rhode Island Hospital happened in 2007 when a resident and a nurse placed a drain on the wrong side of a patient's head

In July 2007, a neurosurgeon cut open the wrong side of a patient's head, just before in November a resident started to operate on the wrong side of a patient's head. 

The Health Department fined Rhode Island Hospital $50,000.

Then in May of 2009, a surgeon operated on the wrong side of child's mouth.

The last straw came just last month when a surgeon operated on the wrong finger.

Now, Rhode Island hospital will be fined $150,000

It has to install cameras in operating rooms, re-train surgeons and hire "consultants" to observe surgeries.

"These events happen in some of the nicest hospitals. It is something that is unacceptable. It shouldn't be happening at any hospital," said Lisa McGiffert of the Safe Patient Project.

"We remain more committed than ever to reduce the incidence of all medical errors. Patient safety has always been, and remains, our number one priority," the Rhode Island Hospital said in a prepared statement.

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