The sister of a deceased patient admitted to Memphis, Tenn.-based Methodist University Hospital claims the health system buried her sister without the family's consent, according to Fox 13.
Rowena Burton was admitted in August for a scheduled surgery on her foot. The surgeon performing the procedure allegedly hit an artery, causing Ms. Burton to bleed excessively. Ms. Burton suffered a stroke and was admitted to Methodist University Hospital. She died on Aug. 29.
Eartha Duncan, the patient's sister, was notified Nov. 16 that Ms. Burton was buried in October without the family's permission.
"My sister had a family. She had a mother, and you just dispose of her like she garbage," Ms. Duncan told Fox 13.
Ms. Duncan indicated her mother requested an autopsy report and the family did not receive a copy until weeks after the request. They also did not receive a copy of the death certificate.
The hospital eventually told Ms. Burton's family her remains were taken to Shelby County Cemetery in Bartlett, Tenn on Oct. 31. The owner of the cemetery told Fox 13 that he was told by the hospital to pick the remains up by the end of October.
Ms. Duncan showed Fox 13 that she had gone through all the proper steps to bury her sister.
Fox 13 contacted the health department, which did not have Ms. Burton on record.
Methodist University Hospital issued the following statement:
"We understand that it is extremely hard to lose a loved one, and that's why we follow specific procedures to help us honor patients' and their families' wishes. This includes reaching out to the family contact listed on a patient's medical chart to confirm their wishes. After multiple attempts to make contact, if we are unable to reach the designated family member, we notify Shelby County for burial."
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