The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is currently investigating a potential medical error in which a surgeon removed a kidney from the wrong patient, according to a WHDH-TV report.
In a statement to WHDH, the MDPH said, "We are aware of this serious allegation, and are investigating in line with our state and federal authority."
The incident allegedly occurred at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester, Mass. Tenet Health — headquartered in Dallas — owns St. Vincent.
"This is a deeply unfortunate situation involving a patient misidentification that took place outside of our hospital and did not involve our employees," reads a statement from Tenet Health, according to CNN. "Our staff followed proper protocols in preparing for and performing the surgery, which was scheduled by the patient's physician at our hospital. Saint Vincent Hospital is committed to providing safe, high-quality care to every patient who enters our doors. We are saddened that this incident occurred and our leadership continues to assure the affected patient receives the support and care needed."
According to CNN, Tenet Health did not elaborate on how the mistaken identity occurred.
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