Fox 8

New Orleans hospital admits dropping ball in fungal outbreak communication

Deadly fungus on hospital linens killed five patients between 2008 and 2009 at the medical facility


Children's Hospital in New Orleans has apologized for its handling of information about a deadly fungus that killed five patients between 2008 and 2009 at the medical facility, according to an article on the WLOX website.

Five children died of an invasive fungal infection — mucormycosis — that contaminated hospital linens.

Hospital executives said mistakes were made in disseminating information about the fungus to the families of the children who died.

"Regrettably, it's become clear that we did not, although I think we made an extraordinary effort to contain and identify the source of this infection, we did not make an extraordinary effort to communicate with our families and disclose the nature of this illness," John Heaton, associate medical director for Children's, said in the article.

Some lawsuits have been filed as a result of the deaths. The parents of 13-year-old Zachary Tyler are suing the hospital and the linen cleaning company, TLC Service, Inc.

Read the article.

 

 



April 28, 2014


Topic Area: Environmental Services


Recent Posts

Hospitals Are Energy Super-Users. Why Is It So Hard to Modernize Them?

Managers face the ongoing challenge of finding a practical way to fund improvements while competing with capital priorities.


Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Bangor Officially Opens

Encompass Health Bangor is the company’s first wholly owned hospital in Maine.


Early Entry: Manager's Critical Role in Construction Planning

Facilities managers should seek a seat at the table early to shape decisions that affect operations and continuity of care from the onset.


The Evolution of Lighting in Patient Care

Lighting is a significant investment that healthcare facility managers can make to aid in healing.


HealthPartners and Essentia Health to Combine Organizations

The organizations anticipate the combination will be effective Jan. 1, 2027.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.