Multiple errors on the part of UCLA Medical Center physicians
caused the death of 16-month-old Delaney Gonzalez last year,
according to state health inspectors.
Delaney entered the Medical Center on Feb. 4, 2002 to undergo a
routine operation to repair a cleft palate. Three days later, she
died after being taken off life support.
An autopsy revealed that Delaney died from lack of oxygen
resulting in irreversible brain damage.
According to the state health inspectors, a breathing tube that
was incorrectly placed pumped air into her stomach instead of her
lungs.
Delaney’s parents, Jodi and Danny Gonzalez, have sued UCLA
Medical Center and the University of California Regents for
negligence and failure to provide correct information on
Delaney’s death certificate.
A UCLA physician initially wrote “airway
obstruction” as the cause of death on the death
certificate.
Last month, the California Department of Health Services
reported the results of an investigation into the child’s
death which revealed a series of errors in Delaney’s
treatment and monitoring. The investigation was prompted by a
complaint from Delaney’s mother.
Health inspectors found that physicians from the UCLA radiology
department delayed for hours before reviewing Delaney’s chest
X-rays which would have revealed the breathing tube error.
The report also cited a failure to replace a malfunctioning
carbon-dioxide breathing monitor designed to detect breathing
problems.
According to the report, Medical Center staff did not alert
supervisors of Delaney’s worsening condition.
“Everyone at the UCLA Medical Center, including its
administrators, physicians and staff, is profoundly saddened by the
death of Delaney Gonzalez,” said a statement issued by UCLA.
“Our hearts go out to the Gonzalez family and to everyone
touched by this tragedy.”
According to the statement, UCLA will not provide additional
comments due to pending litigation.
UCLA officials promised to improve Medical Center systems,
making it a rule that radiologists would be available to
immediately review X-rays for patients in the intensive care unit,
according to a Los Angeles Times article that ran on Monday.
Delaney’s operation was to be the first of several
surgeries to repair malformations on the child’s head and
face caused by Treacher Collins syndrome, a rare birth defect, the
Times reported.
Her parents hope the lawsuit will bring about changes in the
medical system.
“No one should have to go through this ever,” Danny
said.
With reports from Daily Bruin wire services.