Health Ministry Report Cites Medical Negligence in Patient's Death at Hadassah Hospital
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
A Ministry of Health investigation found that medical negligence and treatment delays at Hadassah Hospital contributed to a patient's death in May 2023. The report criticizes department head Professor Alon Pikarsky for failing to properly investigate the incident and notes the case was not reported to the ministry as required. The hospital maintains the incident was reported and investigated, with lessons learned, while also addressing recent allegations against Professor Pikarsky.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Ministry of Health report cites medical negligence and treatment delays in a patient's death at Hadassah Hospital.
- The investigation criticizes Professor Alon Pikarsky for failing to properly investigate the incident.
- The committee found the patient was treated by an inexperienced resident and medical decisions caused critical delays.
- The incident was not reported to the Ministry of Health as legally required, termed a "severe failure."
- Professor Pikarsky faces separate allegations of sexual harassment and exploitation.
- Hadassah Hospital stated the case was reported and investigated internally and by the ministry.
A Ministry of Health investigation has concluded that incorrect decisions and treatment delays at Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem contributed to the death of a patient in May 2023. The committee, headed by retired Judge Vered Maroz, found that the patient, who suffered from signs of infection, metabolic acidosis, and multi-organ damage, was placed under the care of an inexperienced resident. The report criticizes the hospital's systemic failures in both the treatment and its handling of the incident afterward.
Personal criticism was leveled against the head of the department, Professor Alon Pikarsky, who also serves as Prime Minister Netanyahu's personal physician. The committee determined that Pikarsky did not take the necessary steps, including a proper investigation and lesson-learning process, following the event. Furthermore, the committee revealed that the incident was not reported to the Ministry of Health as legally required, labeling it a "severe failure."
According to the committee's findings, the medical treatment deviated from accepted standards, with a specific medical decision causing a critical delay in surgery that "sealed, among other things, the patient's fate." The report suggests that adequate medical assessment could have saved the patient's life.
Professor Pikarsky has recently been the subject of other investigations concerning allegations of sexual harassment and exploitation by female doctors and a patient under his care. Despite these allegations, Carol Ann Schwartz, president of the Hadassah Women's Organization, was photographed embracing Pikarsky, an act perceived by some as support for the doctor over the accusers.
Hadassah Hospital stated that Professor Pikarsky himself reported the case to the hospital's management. An investigation was immediately launched by Hadassah and subsequently by the Ministry of Health, leading to lessons learned and updated work procedures. The Hadassah Women's Organization affirmed its zero-tolerance policy towards sexual harassment and stated that the hospital thoroughly investigates all complaints.
Mentioned
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Only Mako so far.
