Tessa Quinn
Johns Hopkins Hospital is one of the top-ranked hospitals in the nation, renowned for its contributions to medical advancements and patient safety protocols. However, the hospital has also faced scrutiny for several incidents that raise concerns about patient safety and ethical research practices. There have been accusations of preventable errors, with at least nine recent cases of alleged negligence, including a lawsuit alleging that hospital workers injured a patient so severely that it led to amputation and ultimately, their death. In another instance, a doctor presented evidence of children being mutilated and accused the hospital of covering up the incident. Additionally, a 2012 investigation revealed a 1993 study by the Johns Hopkins Kennedy Krieger Institute that exposed vulnerable individuals, including children and orphans, to dangerous lead-based paint. These incidents prompt questions about the hospital's commitment to patient safety and ethical standards, despite its reputation and achievements in the medical field.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of cases with errors or basic safety rules ignored | At least 9 |
| Nature of errors | Preventable |
| Comments by experts | "I see a problem in the culture here. I think there are real lapses." - Sara Singer, Stanford University professor |
| Comments by hospital | "Medical errors are a tragic fact that occur in all health organizations. But it also said 'we can and will do better' and that it would take steps to prioritize safety." |
| Examples of errors | A patient's leg was injured during catheter insertion and had to be amputated. The patient later died of septic shock. |
| Doctors missed signs of severe dehydration in a toddler who had been burned in a bathtub. The toddler later died of septic shock. | |
| A 24-year-old employee died from inhaling a chemical compound during an asthma study. | |
| Researchers attempted to infect prisoners with diseases as part of a study. | |
| Researchers exposed vulnerable people, including children, to lead-based paint. | |
| Other incidents | Medical achievements at the hospital include the first male-to-female sex reassignment surgery in the US and the first "blue baby" operation. |
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What You'll Learn
Preventable errors and basic safety rule violations
Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, is one of the top-ranked hospitals in the nation, according to US News and World Report. It has been a leader in the diagnosis and treatment of disease for over 125 years. However, the hospital has also been accused of making preventable errors and setting aside basic safety rules in several recent cases.
In one instance, a young patient named Elijah was treated for third-degree burns at Johns Hopkins Hospital. During his stay, hospital workers attempted to place a catheter in his left thigh but instead injured his leg so badly that it had to be amputated, according to a lawsuit filed by his parents. Elijah's condition worsened, and he developed infections that led to septic shock. He ultimately died in December 2012.
In another case, a toddler named Josie King was treated for serious burns at Johns Hopkins Hospital in 2001. While treating her wounds, doctors missed signs of severe dehydration, and she later died from an infection caught in the hospital, which led to septic shock. These incidents raise concerns about preventable errors and basic safety rule violations at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
In addition to these individual cases, there have been broader concerns about the hospital's culture and commitment to patient safety. Dr Stephen Milner, a former director at the hospital, alleged that the hospital prioritised its reputation over patient care and covered up incidents of medical malpractice. He presented "incontrovertible proof of children that were being mutilated in that department, and they did nothing but cover it up," according to court records.
Furthermore, in the 1990s, researchers at the Johns Hopkins Kennedy Krieger Institute (KKI) conducted a study on lead abatement in homes in Baltimore. The study involved at least 5,128 vulnerable people, including children and orphans, and raised ethical concerns about informed consent and the potential impact on participants' health. While the study was terminated, it raises questions about the hospital's research ethics and commitment to basic safety rules.
In response to these incidents, Johns Hopkins Hospital has acknowledged that medical errors are a "tragic fact" in all health organizations and has pledged to prioritise patient safety. They admitted that there have been occasions where they "failed to act quickly enough, [and] failed to listen closely enough". The hospital has committed to taking steps to improve and ensure the safety of its patients.
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A child's leg injury leading to amputation
John Hopkins Hospital is a leader in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and is considered one of the top-ranked hospitals in the nation. However, it has also been accused of making preventable errors and setting aside basic safety rules in several cases. One such case involved a child named Elijah, who was treated for third-degree burns at the hospital. During his stay, hospital workers allegedly injured his leg while placing a catheter, which eventually led to amputation and, sadly, his death.
Traumatic injuries, including severe accidents, crush injuries, and burns, account for about 45% of all amputations. In the case of a child, a leg injury could be caused by various traumatic events, such as a motor vehicle accident, a fall from a significant height, or a sports-related incident.
For instance, let's consider a scenario where a child is involved in a bicycle accident and sustains a severe injury to their leg. The impact of the collision could cause extensive damage to the soft tissues, bones, and blood vessels of the leg.
Upon arrival at the emergency department, the medical team's initial focus would be on stabilizing the child's condition and addressing any life-threatening injuries. This may include controlling any bleeding, providing pain management, and ensuring the child's vital signs are stable.
Once the child's condition is stabilized, the medical team would assess the extent of the leg injury. They may order X-rays, CT scans, or other imaging tests to determine the involvement of bones, soft tissues, and blood vessels. If the damage to the leg is deemed irreparable or if it endangers the child's life, the medical team may decide that surgical amputation is necessary.
The surgical team, consisting of orthopedic surgeons, plastic and reconstructive surgeons, and specialized nurses, would work together to perform the amputation procedure. They would remove the injured or damaged portion of the leg, taking care to preserve as much healthy tissue and bone as possible.
Following the amputation, the child would be closely monitored in the hospital to manage pain, prevent infections, and ensure a smooth recovery. During this time, the medical team would also develop a rehabilitation plan, which may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological support.
The rehabilitation process for a child with a leg amputation can be challenging but often offers promising outcomes. With proper care and support, children can adapt to using prosthetic devices, regain their mobility, and return to their favorite activities.
In summary, a child's leg injury leading to amputation involves a complex medical journey. It requires prompt emergency care, careful surgical intervention, comprehensive post-operative management, and a tailored rehabilitation process. While it is a life-altering event, modern medical advancements and supportive care teams aim to help children and their families navigate this difficult experience and achieve positive long-term outcomes.
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A toddler's death due to infection and septic shock
Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, is one of the top-ranked hospitals in the nation. However, it has faced criticism for not always adhering to patient safety rules and has been accused of making preventable errors. One such incident involved a toddler named Josie King, who died due to infection and septic shock.
Josie King was a toddler who was seriously burned in a bathtub in 2001. She was treated at Johns Hopkins Hospital, but the doctors missed the signs of severe dehydration. She ended up contracting an infection in the hospital, which led to septic shock and ultimately resulted in her death. This incident brought attention to the hospital's patient safety practices and prompted pledges for sweeping change from the hospital's leadership.
Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when the body's response to an infection damages its own organs and tissues. It can affect people of any age, but infants and young children are particularly vulnerable. Sepsis can be caused by various infections, including urinary tract infections, ear infections, pneumonia, and meningitis. If left untreated, these infections can lead to sepsis, which can be deadly.
In the case of Josie King, she likely acquired the infection during her hospital stay, which then progressed to septic shock due to a delay in diagnosis or treatment. Septic shock is characterized by persistent hypotension, requiring the use of vasopressors to maintain mean arterial pressure. It can lead to organ dysfunction, including damage to the kidneys, lungs, brain, heart, and blood clotting system. Early recognition of sepsis and prompt treatment are crucial, as the risk of death increases with delayed intervention.
To reduce the chances of sepsis in children, it is important to prevent infections through recommended vaccines, regular hand washing, and proper cleaning of cuts or scrapes. Additionally, parents should be vigilant in seeking medical attention if their child is sick and not improving. Educating parents and healthcare providers about the signs of sepsis is essential to facilitate early diagnosis and improve outcomes.
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A 24-year-old employee's death during an asthma study
Johns Hopkins Hospital is a leader in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and has been providing the highest-quality health care and services to its patients for over 125 years. However, the hospital has also been involved in some controversies and has been accused of making some preventable errors.
One of the most notable incidents involving Johns Hopkins Hospital is the death of a 24-year-old employee, Ellen Roche, during an asthma study. Roche was a technician at the university's asthma and allergy center and had volunteered for a study to understand the cause of asthma. On May 5, 2001, she inhaled an experimental compound, hexamethonium, which was being used to determine how the lung protects the airways from narrowing. She was hospitalized and died from lung failure on June 2, 2001.
The university accepted full responsibility for Roche's death, acknowledging that the researcher and the ethics committee had failed to take adequate precautions to protect the research subjects. The university also suspended the research and notified three federal agencies involved in the study: the Food and Drug Administration, the Office for Human Research Protections, and the Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. These agencies launched an investigation into the safety of the drug and whether the volunteers had been adequately protected.
It was revealed that eight of the nine volunteers who signed up for the asthma study were employees of the Hopkins Asthma Center. The inquiry panel clarified that employees were not expected to volunteer as part of their work. This incident prompted Hopkins to add a third Institutional Review Board and conduct a comprehensive review of its clinical operations.
In addition to the asthma study incident, Johns Hopkins Hospital has been accused of other preventable errors and safety lapses. In one case, a young patient, Elijah, suffered severe complications during his treatment for third-degree burns, ultimately leading to his death. Another incident involved a toddler, Josie King, who was seriously burned in a bathtub and subsequently died from an infection caught in the hospital. These incidents have raised questions about the hospital's commitment to patient safety and its handling of adverse events.
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Guatemala human experimentation
The Guatemala syphilis experiments were United States-led human experiments conducted in Guatemala from 1946 to 1948. The experiments were led by physician John Charles Cutler, who also participated in the Tuskegee syphilis experiment. Doctors infected 1,300 people, including at least 600 soldiers and people from various vulnerable groups (sex workers, orphans, inmates of mental hospitals, and prisoners) with syphilis, gonorrhea, and chancroid, without the informed consent of the subjects. Only 700 of them received treatment. In total, 5,500 people were involved in all research experiments, of whom 83 died by the end of 1953, though it is unknown whether or not the injections were responsible for all these deaths.
The researchers paid prostitutes infected with syphilis to have sex with prisoners, while other subjects were infected by directly inoculating them with the bacterium. Through intentional exposure to gonorrhea, syphilis, and chancroid, a total of 1,308 people were involved in the experiments. Of that group, with an age range of 10–72, 678 individuals (52%) received a form of treatment. However, Cutler claimed all had been treated.
The experiments were approved and conducted by the U.S. government and by individuals acting on behalf of the U.S. government. Several individuals in prominent academic positions at American universities served either as expert volunteers or employees of the government on the government-appointed committees that reviewed and recommended approval of and funding for the studies.
In 2010, the President of the United States, the Secretary of State, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services apologized to all affected. In 2012, a federal district court dismissed a lawsuit filed in 2015 against Johns Hopkins, the Rockefeller Foundation, and Bristol-Myers Squibb Company regarding the Guatemala study from the 1940s. The court concluded that the pleas of victims for relief are more appropriately directed to the political branches of the federal government.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, in 2001, a toddler named Josie King died at the hospital from an infection-induced septic shock after doctors missed signs of severe dehydration. In the same year, a 24-year-old employee died from inhaling a chemical compound while participating in an asthma study. In 2012, a young patient named Elijah had his leg amputated after hospital workers injured his leg while placing a catheter. He later died from infections that led to septic shock. The hospital has also been accused of making preventable errors and disregarding basic safety rules in at least nine other cases.
Following Josie King's death, Johns Hopkins' top leaders pledged sweeping changes. After Elijah's death, the doctor in charge of the Johns Hopkins Regional Burn Center reviewed the medical records of several recent patients and subsequently filed a lawsuit. In a statement, the hospital described medical errors as a "tragic fact" in all health organizations but acknowledged that improvements could be made.
Yes, in 1993, researchers at the Johns Hopkins Kennedy Krieger Institute (KKI) attempted to develop less expensive lead-abatement methods. However, this involved treating homes with these methods and observing lead accumulation in children, including actively finding new families to live in these homes. The study involved at least 5,128 vulnerable people, including children, orphans, child and adult prostitutes, and prisoners.
