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Nashville hospital leaves patient paralyzed after drug mix-up in routine epidural

PUBLISHED Aug 19, 2026, 4:40 PM ET

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A medical error at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown in Nashville has left a 72-year-old woman paralyzed from the chest down after she was given potassium instead of anesthetic during routine knee surgery . The incident occurred on August 14, 2026, and impacted four patients . The family of Glenda Dorton stated she received potassium chloride, a substance used in lethal injections, instead of the intended anesthetic bupivacaine . Dorton remains in intensive care with "zero feeling, movement, or response to pain from her breastbone down" . Hospital CEO Dr. Shubhada Jagasia issued an apology and confirmed the hospital self-reported the event to state regulators, identified the cause, and implemented corrective safeguards . The family has consulted legal counsel as the investigation continues .

By Daniel Hayes | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

August 14, 2026: Four patients were given potassium instead of anesthetic during routine procedures .
· August 14, 2026: Glenda Dorton underwent knee surgery and woke up paralyzed from chest down .
· August 14, 2026: Hospital self-reported the medication error to state regulators immediately .
· August 15, 2026: Dorton's ventilator was removed, but paralysis from ribcage down persisted .
· August 18, 2026: Doctors diagnosed Dorton with T6 paralysis, affecting the mid-back spinal region .
· August 18, 2026: Family reported that treatment to reverse the paralysis was not working .
· August 18, 2026: Family publicly shared details to find specialists who could help .
· August 18-19, 2026: Hospital CEO issued apology and confirmed investigation findings .
· Ongoing Investigation: State regulators are investigating the cause of the pharmacy error .
· Future Expectation: The family will likely pursue legal action pending investigation results.

News Intelligence

Immediate impact: Hospital faces investigation and potential lawsuit over catastrophic patient harm.
Long-term impact: Could lead to stricter pharmacy safety protocols in Tennessee hospitals.
Affected groups: Patients, hospital staff, regulators, and the Nashville medical community are impacted.
What to prioritize: Follow official investigation findings from state regulators and hospital statements.