Nashville hospital leaves patient paralyzed after drug mix-up in routine epidural
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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 .
More context
Timeline
- 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.
Why it matters
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.
Coverage notes
Left: Likely focuses on systemic failures in healthcare regulation and corporate accountability. Center: Reports confirmed facts from family, hospital, and regulators neutrally. Right: Focuses on individual tragedy and potential lawsuits against the hospital.
Primary report
Hospital's pharmacy
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
