Drug Mix-Up Leaves Multiple Patients Paralyzed at Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown

At Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown in Nashville, an error during joint-replacement surgeries resulted in at least four patients being harmed. Families say the patients were to receive an epidural anesthetic (bupivacaine) but instead were injected with potassium chloride, a medication that can stop the heart when administered incorrectly. One patient, 72-year-old Glenda Dorton, is reported to be permanently paralyzed from the chest down and remains in intensive care. The hospital has not disclosed details about the other three patients, citing privacy concerns.

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President and CEO Dr. Shubhada Jagasia issued a statement expressing deep regret for the harm caused and noting that the hospital reported the incident to state regulators on the day it occurred. She said leadership met directly with each family, connected them with spiritual-care teams, and provided access to necessary resources. The hospital launched an internal investigation, identified the cause of the medication error, and implemented corrective safeguards and enhanced safety protocols.

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The families of the affected patients, including Dorton’s daughter-in-law Kristina Dorton, describe ongoing uncertainty about whether any neurological damage can be reversed. The family has retained legal counsel and is awaiting further medical assessment. State regulators have opened an investigation, but no detailed findings have been released.

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• “We remain committed to supporting those affected and upholding the highest standards of safety for every person who trusts us with their care,” — Dr. Shubhada Jagasia, president and CEO

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