A total of eighteen patients—nine survivors and the families of nine deceased individuals—are now at the center of a $303 million lawsuit against an Oregon hospital.
The lawsuit is rooted in allegations that a nurse engaged in a dangerous scheme, where fentanyl was replaced with bacteria-contaminated water in intravenous (IV) drips.
Outrage Over Alleged Medical Misconduct
This alleged misconduct has not only shocked the community but has also ignited public and legal outrage.
The implications of such actions are severe, as they have resulted in the deterioration of several patients’ health, some fatally.
Nurse Arrested and Charged
The accused nurse, Dani Marie Schofield, 36, was employed at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford, Oregon.
She was arrested in June after an investigation into the hospital’s handling of controlled substances. Schofield now faces 44 counts of second-degree assault, all tied to the misuse of drugs and resulting infections among patients.
Details of the Investigation
Authorities have indicated that the charges followed a comprehensive police investigation. The probe revealed that controlled substances had been misappropriated and tampered with, leading to the infections.
Despite the severity of the charges, Schofield has pleaded not guilty to all allegations brought against her.
Schofield’s Response to the Allegations
In response to the accusations, Schofield maintained her belief in the legal process. She told The Lund Report, “The Truth will, I’m sure, come out,” expressing confidence that her side of the story would eventually be revealed.
Nevertheless, she resigned from her position about a month after the initial charges were filed.
Hospital Accused of Negligence
The $303 million lawsuit primarily targets the hospital, accusing it of negligence and medical malpractice. The plaintiffs argue that had proper safety protocols been followed, the nurse would not have had the opportunity to steal and tamper with the drugs.
Curiously, Schofield herself is not named as a defendant in this lawsuit.
Additional Lawsuit Involving Horace Wilson’s Death
In addition to the main suit, a separate $11.5 million lawsuit was filed earlier this year. This case involves the estate of Horace Wilson, a 65-year-old man who died after developing multi-organ failure due to sepsis.
The lawsuit claims Wilson’s infection stemmed from bacteria-laden water introduced into his bloodstream through his IV drip.
Details of Wilson’s Infection and Death
According to The Daily Mail, Wilson was admitted to the hospital for a spleen removal following an accident. However, his condition rapidly worsened after contracting the infection.
The source of the infection was identified as staphylococcus epidermidis, a bacterium commonly associated with waterborne contamination.
Hospital Declines to Comment
Despite the seriousness of these allegations, the hospital has refrained from commenting publicly on the matter.
A spokesperson for the facility declined to provide any statement regarding the legal proceedings or the claims made against them.
Hospital Notifies Claimants of Fentanyl Substitution
According to the lawsuit, the hospital began informing claimants in December about the substitution of fentanyl with tap water, which caused bacterial infections.
The formal complaint notes, “All Plaintiff Patients were infected with bacterium uniquely associated with waterborne transmission.”
Plaintiffs Seek Damages for Mental and Physical Suffering
The plaintiffs, many of whom are still grappling with the aftermath of the infections, are seeking compensation for various damages.
These include medical expenses, lost income, mental anguish, and, in cases where patients died, the pain and suffering experienced by their families.
Police Investigation and the Importance of Protocols
Medford police launched an investigation into the hospital late last year after officials reported a rise in central line infections between July 2022 and July 2023.
The hospital suspected that the spike in infections was linked to an employee diverting fentanyl, highlighting the need for stricter protocols to prevent theft.
