Health Ministry Report Cites Medical Negligence in Patient's Death at Hadassah Hospital

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 aftermath, as well as specifically targeting the head of the department, Professor Alon Pikarsky.

The committee determined that the medical care deviated from accepted standards, with a specific decision causing a critical delay in surgery that "sealed, among other things, the patient's fate." The report states that proper medical evaluation could have saved the patient's life.

Professor Pikarsky is personally criticized for not taking the required steps after the incident, including conducting a thorough investigation and drawing lessons. Furthermore, the committee revealed that the incident was not reported to the Ministry of Health as legally required, labeling it a "severe failure." Some staff members reportedly learned of the patient's death only after the family filed a complaint.

Hadassah Hospital responded that Professor Pikarsky himself reported the case to the hospital's management. They stated that the incident was investigated by both Hadassah and the Ministry of Health, leading to lessons learned and updated work procedures. The Hadassah Women's Organization stated they have zero tolerance for sexual harassment and that the hospital thoroughly investigates all complaints.