Major Kidney Transplant Error at University Hospitals
Posted in Accident & Injury, Firm News, In the news on July 15, 2021
What happened at UH?
After a major medical mistake, two University Hospitals (UH) “caregivers” are on leave pending an investigation.
On July 2, there were two kidney transplants taking place at UH. A kidney meant for one patient was negligently given to and transplanted into the wrong person. Now the other patient has to wait for another kidney to become available, placing them back on the waiting list of 2,700 people in Ohio.
“We are dismayed that an error recently occurred resulting in one patient receiving a kidney intended for another,” stated George Stamatis, UH’s Senior Media Relations Strategist. “The kidney is compatible and the patient is recovering as expected. Another patient’s transplant surgery has been delayed.”
The issue has been reported to the United Network for Organ Sharing and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and is under review.
“We are also carefully reviewing this situation to understand what led to the error and to ensure that such an event will never happen again,” George Stamatis says.
Organ Donation and Transplantation Statistics
- Over 90,000 candidates are on the waiting list for a kidney donation in the United States.
- Individuals wait on average 3.6 years for a kidney transplant.
- 12 people die each day while waiting for a life-saving kidney transplant.
Elk & Elk Can Help
Medical malpractice injures and kills thousands of people every year in the U.S. While hospitals have established protocols to improve patient safety, medical errors continue to happen. That’s where the attorneys at Elk & Elk come in. We will provide answers to the complex questions of what happened and why.
Elk & Elk is Experienced with University Hospitals Claims
Elk & Elk represented victims of the University Hospitals fertility incident. Many impacted patients reached out to our firm for answers, assistance, and support after UH notified them of their loss in the days after the event. Managing Partner Jay Kelley was appointed court liaison counsel for the patients and their family’s lawyers.
Elk & Elk will provide the highest quality legal representation and protect your rights without charging any fees upfront. Schedule your free consultation online or call 1-800-ELK-OHIO.