Drug Mix-Up at Nashville Hospital Paralyzes 72-Year-Old, Family Alleges
Hospital Medication Error Leaves Patients Harmed: What Happened in Nashville
The Big Picture: What We Know So Far
Imagine going to the hospital for a routine knee surgery and waking up unable to move your legs. That’s what happened to 72-year-old Glenda Dorton at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown in Nashville, Tennessee.
She’s not alone—at least four patients were harmed during what the hospital calls an "unspecified event." Here’s the simple breakdown of what we know:
Important Callout: Key Facts at a Glance
- Who: Glenda Dorton (72) + at least 3 other patients
- Where: Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown, Nashville, TN
- When: Friday (surgery day) → Tuesday (hospital statement)
- What went wrong: Alleged medication mix-up during surgery
- Current status: Dorton paralyzed from chest down, in ICU; hospital investigating
What Happened to Glenda Dorton?
The Plan vs. What Actually Happened
| What Should Have Happened | What Allegedly Happened |
|---|---|
| Knee replacement surgery | Knee replacement surgery |
| Epidural for pain control (numbs lower body) | Given potassium chloride instead |
| Recovery with pain management | Paralyzed from chest down, in ICU |
Why Potassium Chloride Is So Dangerous
Simple Explanation: Potassium chloride is a medication that affects how your heart beats. In the right tiny doses, it can help with certain conditions. But if given the wrong way or wrong amount, it can stop the heart or cause severe nerve damage. It’s so powerful that it was once used in lethal injections for executions (Tennessee now uses a different drug).
How the Hospital Responded
The Hospital’s Official Statement
Dr. Shubhada Jagasia (Hospital President & CEO) said:
"On behalf of our leadership and care teams, I am deeply sorry for the harm caused to our patients. We have met directly with each of the families to express our deep support, connected them with spiritual care teams, and ensured they have access to all appropriate resources and ongoing care needed."
What the Hospital Says They’ve Done
- Self-reported the incident to state regulators the same day it happened
- Launched an immediate investigation
- Identified the cause (but haven’t shared it publicly yet)
- Implemented "corrective safeguards" (new safety rules to prevent this from happening again)
- Enhanced safety protocols for clinical teams
- Met with all four families directly
What We Still Don’t Know: The hospital has not publicly explained:
- Exactly how the wrong drug was given
- What happened to the other three patients
- The specific "cause" they identified
- Whether the paralysis is permanent or reversible
The Family’s Perspective
Waiting for Answers, Hoping for Recovery
Glenda’s daughter-in-law, Kristina Dorton, shared their story with WSMV4:
- Glenda went in Friday for a routine knee replacement
- Family was told she’d get an epidural (standard pain control)
- Instead, she received potassium chloride
- Now: paralyzed from chest down, in ICU, surrounded by family
- Big question: Can any of the damage be reversed?
Think About It: This wasn’t a high-risk experimental surgery. It was a common knee replacement—something thousands of people have safely every year. The family expected her to walk better afterward, not lose the ability to move her legs entirely.
Why This Matters to Everyone
Medical Errors: A Bigger Problem Than You Might Think
- Medication errors are one of the most common types of medical mistakes
- They can happen at any hospital—even good ones
- Systems should have multiple safety checks (like double-checking drugs before giving them)
- When those checks fail, real people get hurt
What "Self-Reporting" Means (And Why It Matters)
ELI5 Definition: Self-reporting = The hospital told the government regulators themselves that something went wrong, instead of waiting for someone else to find out. It’s like a kid telling their parent "I broke the vase" before the parent sees it. It’s required by law, but it also shows the hospital isn’t trying to hide it.
Summary: The Story in a Nutshell
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident | Medication error during surgery at Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown |
| Patients affected | At least 4 (1 identified: Glenda Dorton, 72) |
| Alleged error | Potassium chloride given instead of epidural |
| Harm to Dorton | Paralyzed from chest down, in ICU |
| Hospital response | Apology, self-report, investigation, new safeguards |
| Unknowns | Exact cause, other patients’ conditions, reversibility of paralysis |
| Family focus | Recovery, answers, accountability |
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
What is an epidural, and why was she supposed to get one?
A: An epidural is a pain-blocking medicine delivered through a tiny tube in your back. It numbs you from the waist down so you don’t feel pain during surgery (like a knee replacement) but stay awake. It’s standard and very common for this type of surgery.
How could a hospital give the wrong medication?
A: We don’t know the exact details yet. Usually, hospitals have multiple safety steps: a doctor orders it, a pharmacist checks it, a nurse verifies it and the patient’s ID and the medication label before giving it. For this to happen, several checks likely failed at once.
Can paralysis from potassium chloride be reversed?
A: It depends on how the damage happened and how fast it was caught. Nerve damage can sometimes improve with time and therapy, but spinal cord injury from chemical exposure is very serious. Her doctors are still evaluating.
What happens to the other three patients?
A: The hospital cites patient privacy laws (HIPAA) and hasn’t shared their conditions. We only know Dorton’s story because her family chose to speak publicly.
Should I be worried if I have surgery scheduled there?
A: The hospital says they’ve added new safety measures and are under investigation. If you have concerns, talk to your surgeon—ask what specific steps they take to prevent medication errors. You have a right to know.
Final Thoughts
This story is a reminder that behind every medical statistic is a real person—a grandmother, a mother, a wife—whose life changed in an instant during what should have been a routine procedure.
The hospital has apologized and says they’ve fixed the problem. The family waits, hopes, and demands answers. And regulators will investigate to make sure this never happens to anyone else.
Remember: If you or a loved one ever has surgery, ask questions. Know what medications you’re getting. Have an advocate with you. You are the most important part of your safety team.
Copyright 2026 WSMV. All rights reserved. Original reporting by WSMV4 Nashville.