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State Fines Scripps Mercy Chula Vista $25,000 For Serious Errors

Scripps Mercy Hospital in Chula Vista has been fined 25-thousand dollars for a lapse that led to a patient's death. The California Department of Public Health says the hospital didn't have a safe and

State Fines Scripps Mercy Chula Vista $25,000 For Serious Errors

Scripps Mercy Hospital in Chula Vista has been fined 25-thousand dollars for a lapse that led to a patient's death. The California Department of Public Health says the hospital didn't have a safe and timely system for administering medications. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

The incident happened at Scripps Chula Vista last February. A patient was diagnosed in the emergency room with life-threatening low blood sodium.

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A doctor wrote two separate orders for the patient to be given a special IV solution. The patient never received the drug, and died in the intensive care unit.

Kathleen Billingsley is with the California Department of Public Health . She says hospitals that make serious errors must make changes.

"The hospital is immediately required to put into place actions that would address the particular event that has taken place, as well as prepare a plan of correction, " Billingley said.

Scripps Chula Vista is one of ten hospitals in the state to receive a 25-thousand dollar fine this year.

Kenny Goldberg, KPBS News.