Full Breakdown
Medication Mix-Up at Nashville Hospital Leaves Patient Paralyzed and Three Others Harmed
8/23/2026, 8:14:15 AM
Incident Overview
At Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown in Nashville, four patients undergoing routine joint-replacement surgeries received potassium phosphate instead of the intended anesthetic during epidural preparation. The error caused immediate adverse reactions; 72-year-old Glenda Dorton was left permanently paralyzed from the chest down, while the conditions of the three other patients have not been disclosed.
Background & Context
The hospital self-reported the incident to state regulators on the day it occurred and launched an internal investigation. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation opened a criminal-investigation probe after receiving information from the Tennessee Health Facilities Commission, which was already reviewing patient-safety complaints at the facility.
Data & Statistics
- Patients affected: Four individuals undergoing outpatient knee-replacement procedures.
- Paralysis case: Glenda Dorton, 72, suffers T-6 level paralysis, unable to feel or move below the sternum.
- Other patients: No specific clinical details released; hospital statements cite “serious complications.”
Official Statements & Responses
Dr. Shubhada Jagasia, president and CEO of Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown, expressed sympathy for the families and outlined corrective actions. The hospital has isolated high-alert medications, instituted mandatory “hard-stop” alerts for spinal drug scans, and required independent dual verification by a second pharmacist before any spinal medication is released. Clinical teams are now using enhanced safety protocols. The TBI confirmed its investigation remains active, and the Tennessee Health Facilities Commission continues its own review.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Our hearts are with the four patients and their families impacted by this event,” — Dr. Shubhada Jagasia
- “The joint replacement went wonderful. Her knee is great. The rest of her is not,” — Kristina Dorton
- “It was supposed to be the anesthetic. It was supposed to be Bupivacaine, and it was potassium, and we don’t know what quantity,” — Kristina Dorton
- “Battery acid is similar to potassium and how it affects the spine.” — Clint Kelly
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the precise substance administered: some identify potassium phosphate, others potassium chloride. The hospital has not disclosed the clinical outcomes for the three patients besides Ms. Dorton, citing privacy protections. No official determination has been released regarding how the pharmacy error bypassed existing safety checks.
What’s Next
The TBI and the Tennessee Health Facilities Commission will continue their investigations, with the possibility of criminal charges if negligence is established. The hospital has engaged independent third-party quality experts to validate its new safeguards. Families have indicated they are consulting legal counsel but have publicly stated they are not seeking to assign blame to individual clinicians. Ongoing monitoring of the revised protocols will be essential to assess whether the corrective measures prevent future medication errors.
