Story perspectives

Tennessee investigates hospital after wrong drug leaves patient paralyzed

8/23/2026

Summary

Ascension Medication Error

Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown hospital gave potassium phosphate instead of anesthetic to four patients on Aug. 14.
Seventy-two-year-old Glenda Dorton was left paralyzed from the chest down (T-6).
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation opened an investigation into the medication error.
CEO Dr. Shubhada Jagasia said the hospital self-reported the incident and apologized.
Ascension identified the pharmacy as the source and added physical, technological, clinical safeguards.

Summary

Tennessee Commission Investigates

The Tennessee Health Facilities Commission deployed investigators to the Ascension Saint Thomas hospital to question staff about the medication error.
Malpractice attorney John Day said the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has participated in only two similar cases in 40 years.
Attorneys Clint Kelly and Carl Walter warned the error may indicate systemic negligence and safety-protocol failures.
Families of the affected patients have begun consulting lawyers to explore potential malpractice lawsuits.

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Ascension Medication Error

Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown hospital gave potassium phosphate instead of anesthetic to four patients on Aug. 14.
Seventy-two-year-old Glenda Dorton was left paralyzed from the chest down (T-6).
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation opened an investigation into the medication error.
CEO Dr. Shubhada Jagasia said the hospital self-reported the incident and apologized.
Ascension identified the pharmacy as the source and added physical, technological, clinical safeguards.

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