Asheville, North Carolina, August 15, 2025
News Summary
A report from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services revealed that a 54-year-old man passed away unattended for 29 minutes in a Mission Hospital bathroom. After being admitted for severe breathing issues, the patient’s alarm indicating a need for assistance went unanswered, leading to his cardiac arrest. This tragic event has raised serious concerns about hospital protocols and staffing deficiencies, prompting outrage from public officials.
Asheville, North Carolina – An alarming report from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) concluded that a 54-year-old male patient died unattended in a Mission Hospital bathroom for nearly 30 minutes. Identified as patient 41 in the 11-page deficiency report, he passed away from cardiac arrest after being left without assistance in the emergency department waiting room bathroom.
The patient, who suffered from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), was transported to the hospital via ambulance due to shortness of breath. Upon his arrival, he exhibited elevated pulse and respiratory rates, necessitating urgent medical attention. However, instead of receiving immediate care, he was transported to the waiting room bathroom in a wheelchair before undergoing an EKG.
According to the report, the patient activated the bathroom alarm light shortly after entering, indicating he needed help. This critical alert went unaddressed by hospital staff for approximately 29 minutes. Video surveillance confirmed that the alarm first activated at 11:10 p.m., but it was not until 11:39 p.m. that first responders entered the bathroom. By that time, the patient was found unresponsive and in cardiac arrest, leading to over an hour of unsuccessful resuscitation efforts. He was pronounced dead at 12:56 a.m.
Further inspections highlighted significant shortcomings in Mission Hospital’s monitoring and response protocols. The report indicated that these failures violated federal laws related to patient monitoring. A letter from NCDHHS to Mission Hospital’s CEO Greg Lowe on July 15 confirmed these violations, despite past assurances from the hospital regarding compliance with health standards.
According to the investigation, a staff member had silenced the alert during the incident. However, it remains unclear whether that individual was interviewed by investigators. The report revealed that, despite receiving multiple complaints regarding staff and monitoring procedures, improvements were only made after this tragic incident occurred. Following the findings, enhancements to the bathroom emergency alert system were implemented, and the staff member involved in silencing the alert was terminated.
The incident has sparked outrage among public officials, particularly State Senator Julie Mayfield, who emphasized the importance of transparency in community healthcare systems. Mayfield criticized the hospital for failing to disclose the incident to the public in a timely manner, deeming it unacceptable. Furthermore, she expressed concerns over the ongoing need for public records requests to uncover crucial information.
In addition to these specific failures, the report sheds light on broader staffing issues within Mission Hospital. Currently, the facility is operating with approximately 1,500 core staff nurses, needing to increase to about 2,200 to meet optimal operational levels. Registered nurses at the hospital have expressed disappointment regarding the ongoing tragedies linked to inadequate staffing, highlighting systemic issues in healthcare delivery.
The deficiency report’s findings and the subsequent community reaction underline a pressing need for reform at Mission Hospital. Continued scrutiny and improvements in safety protocols are necessary to ensure patient safety and restore public trust in the healthcare provider.
FAQ
What happened to the patient at Mission Hospital?
The patient, a 54-year-old man, died from cardiac arrest after being left unattended in a hospital bathroom for 29 minutes. He had been taken to the bathroom prior to receiving an EKG.
What violations did the hospital commit?
Mission Hospital violated federal laws pertaining to patient monitoring and appropriately responding to emergency alerts. An investigation identified failures in protocol and staff responsiveness.
What are the staffing issues reported at Mission Hospital?
Currently, Mission Hospital has about 1,500 core staff nurses but requires approximately 2,200 for proper operation, indicating significant staffing shortages that impact patient care.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Incident Location | Mission Hospital, Asheville, North Carolina |
| Patient Condition | 54-year-old male with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) |
| Time of Incident | Patient activated alarm at 11:10 p.m. and was found unresponsive by 11:39 p.m. |
| Staff Response | Alarm went unanswered; staff failed to comply with emergency response protocols |
| Outcome | Patient pronounced dead at 12:56 a.m. |
| Staffing Shortages | Approximately 1,500 staff nurses available; 2,200 needed to operate effectively |
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: Mission Hospital Deficiency Report
- Healthcare Dive: HCA Mission Settle
- WLOS: AdventHealth Mission Health Legal Delays
- 828 News Now: Mission Hospital Named Among Best
- Wikipedia: Healthcare in the United States
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
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