In a memo to employees on Thursday, University Hospitals outlined new updates surrounding the March 3 medical error at the fertility clinic that destroyed 4,000 eggs and embryos and left 950 patients without the ability to have a biological child.
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UH said it has improved safety at the fertility clinic. This includes changing out equipment at the lab and hiring additional embryologists, nurses and support staff.
UH also reviewed all temperature-regulated storage systems throughout its facilities. The error that destroyed the eggs and embryos was the result of a fault in a temperature-regulated storage tank where they were being held. UH said it is working to develop a plan to better monitor these storage systems in the future.
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The hospital said it also conducted a broader assessment of risks system-wide and asked employees to report any potential risks that might arise, particularly anything that may affect patient or employee safety.
The update also informed employees that the fertility clinic error "will not affect our ability to serve the healthcare needs of our community." The hospital said it has insurance programs in place to financially protect its assets.
UH is also not worried about losing patients, claiming patient volumes have not wavered since the error. In fact, UH said the fertility clinic has added 115 patients.
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UH concluded by saying it will learn from this experience and share the best practices it plans to develop to help enhance fertility programs everywhere. UH said it has cooperated fully with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Ohio Department of Health and the College of American Pathologists (CAP). UH is confident that it will maintain its Medicare certification and CAP accreditation at the fertility clinic.
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