A 47-year-old man in Poland died after a 30-hour diagnostic process across two hospital emergency departments, raising questions about healthcare quality.
Initial Misdiagnosis in Dąbrowa Górnicza
The man’s ordeal began after experiencing severe abdominal pain and collapsing at his workplace in the Zagłębie region of Silesia. He initially presented at the hospital emergency department in Dąbrowa Górnicza.
Despite a history of cardiac issues, doctors initially diagnosed him with food poisoning, even suggesting “Chinese soup” as a possible cause. After a brief observation, he was sent home, with his condition temporarily improving.
Second Hospital, Another Error in Sosnowiec
The following day, the man was admitted to the Specialist Hospital No. 5 in Sosnowiec, where he underwent 30 hours of diagnostics focused on kidney failure. During this time, his condition continued to deteriorate.
Death After Prolonged Diagnostic Delay
A breakthrough came only after the patient’s death. A consultation occurred 45 minutes into resuscitation efforts, just 15 minutes before his official time of death. An autopsy revealed significant damage to the aortic arch, a life-threatening condition requiring immediate intervention.
Expert Concerns Over Diagnostic Process
Experts suggest that such damage should have been visible in basic imaging tests, raising questions about the interpretation of results and the decision-making process. The timing of the cardiology consultation – during resuscitation – is also under scrutiny.
Investigation Launched by Prosecutors and Patient Rights Advocate
The Patient Rights Ombudsman has preliminarily assessed that medical care was not provided with due diligence. The Sosnowiec-Północ District Prosecutor’s Office has launched an investigation, securing medical documentation and planning to convene a team of experts.
Prosecutors will determine if medical malpractice occurred and if it directly contributed to the patient’s death.
