Patient Spent Nearly 7 Hours on Medical Clinic Roof Before She Was Found and Resuscitation Attempts Began: Coroner

Patient Left Unattended on Roof for Hours Before Tragic Death, Coroner Reports

Chelsea Adolphus, a patient at Vista Medical Center in Waukegan, Illinois, was discovered on the hospital’s rooftop in only a hospital gown after spending nearly 7 hours unattended before her death, according to the Lake County coroner, Jennifer Banek. The coroner stated that preliminary findings indicated that Adolphus died due to hypothermia from exposure to the cold.

The tragic incident unfolded as Adolphus, 28 years old, had been admitted to Vista Medical Center East seeking medical treatment and assistance. However, on the morning of January 23, she left her room undetected and was only found hours later on the hospital roof. Efforts to resuscitate her continued for 14 hours before she was pronounced dead.

During a press conference, Coroner Banek revealed that when Adolphus first arrived at the hospital’s emergency department, her body temperature was a chilling 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Due to the peculiar circumstances surrounding the patient’s death, the Waukegan Police Department was promptly notified by the coroner’s office.

In a troubling revelation, Banek highlighted that the door Adolphus used to exit did not have alarms and lacked the mechanism to allow re-entry once closed. The coroner also expressed previous concerns about the level of care and safety measures at Vista Medical Center, including the shortage of necessary clinical staff and the recent furloughing of employees.

Addressing the press, Banek emphasised the importance of ensuring accountability within the healthcare system to safeguard patients’ well-being. Adolphus’ family, represented by her brother Paul Adolphus, demanded swift answers regarding the circumstances leading to her tragic demise. The family called for transparency and a thorough investigation into the incident.

The hospital, in a response to inquiries, offered condolences to the family and assured ongoing cooperation with the investigation while adhering to privacy regulations. An internal investigation has been initiated by the hospital to ascertain the facts surrounding Chelsea Adolphus’ unfortunate passing.

As details continue to emerge about the incident, the community awaits further updates on the case. The untimely death of Chelsea Adolphus has shone a spotlight on the importance of patient safety and care protocols within medical facilities. The tragic loss has underscored the need for thorough oversight and adherence to best practices in healthcare settings to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

In a bid to bring closure to the grieving family and to address the concerns raised by the community, authorities have vowed to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances leading to Adolphus’ demise. The public’s demand for accountability and transparency in healthcare delivery remains a focal point in the wake of this heartbreaking event.