Investigation Launched into palermo Hospital Malpractice
CITY — May 10, 2024 —
Palermo, Italy, is the site of an official investigation into the Civic Hospital, following serious allegations of medical malpractice. The probe, initiated by regional authorities, focuses on the chest surgery department. The claims, brought forward by surgeon Francesco Caronia, allege questionable patient care and the potential falsification of medical records.Further details of the ongoing investigation are expected to be released shortly,offering further insights into this critical situation.
investigation Launched into Palermo Hospital Following Malpractice Allegations
Palermo, Italy – An extraordinary commission has been established by regional authorities to investigate the chest surgery department at the Civic Hospital of Palermo following allegations of medical malpractice. The probe was triggered by complaints filed by surgeon Francesco Caronia, who raised concerns about patient care and potential falsification of medical records.
The Allegations
Dr. Caronia, a surgeon within the department, spent three years documenting alleged irregularities, including questionable treatments, needless surgeries, and falsified clinical folders. He claims to have recorded audio and collected data during this period, capturing interactions with colleagues and superiors.
Treated in a questionable way, operated when not necessary.
These recordings and data formed the basis of eight complaints filed with judicial authorities, naming individuals and presenting evidence. However, Dr.Caronia asserts that these initial complaints yielded no action.
Despite the eight complaints, however, nothing happens.
Frustrated by the lack of response, Dr. Caronia chose to bring his concerns to the public, sharing his findings with the press.
The Regional Response
The Regional Health department, under the Schifani government, has formed an Extraordinary Commission to thoroughly examine the clinical activities of the chest surgery unit.This commission will review medical records from the past five years, spanning 2020 to 2025, with a focus on:
- the correctness of therapeutic paths
- The consistency of clinical choices
- Any subsequent results, including outcomes in other healthcare facilities
The commission will also consider the possibility of directly interviewing patients involved in the cases under review.
Commission Composition and Timeline
The Extraordinary Commission comprises experts from various Sicilian healthcare companies. The members are:
- Fabrizio Geraci, manager responsible for service 4 “Hospital programming” of the Regional Health Department
- Maurizio Nicolosi, director of thoracic surgery of the Cannizzaro di Catania company
- Eugenia Di Stefano, medical medicine manager of the company “Villa Sofia-Cervello” in Palermo
- Rosanna Intelisano, director of the management control of the Polyclinic of Messina
- Salvatore Piparo, medical manager “public and private hospital” of the ASP of Catania
- Paolo Bordonaro, director of the Medical Directorate of Presidium of the ASP of Syracuse
The commission is scheduled to begin its work on Monday, May 12, and will provide weekly updates to the Department.
specific Allegations
Dr. Caronia alleges that approximately 276 clinical folders were falsified to inflate reimbursements. He also raised concerns about patients undergoing unnecessary surgeries and instances where operating rooms were filled simply to maintain activity.
In my opinion incorrectly – denounces the doctor -,patients not operated for whom perhaps has been lost time and even patients introduced in the operating room onyl to fill the operating sessions.
FAQ: Investigation into Palermo Hospital
- Why is the hospital being investigated?
- Allegations of medical malpractice and falsified records.
- Who made the allegations?
- Surgeon Francesco Caronia.
- What is the commission investigating?
- Clinical activity, therapeutic paths, and clinical choices.
- When will the investigation begin?
- Monday, May 12.
