BRISBANE - A far north Queensland hospital will investigate a bungle that saw staff declare a woman dead and notify her family, only to realise minutes later she was still breathing.
Rita Ring was admitted to Innisfail Hospital from a local nursing home on May 3, and was wrongly declared dead shortly before midnight.
Staff informed the 92-year-old woman's next of kin, but had to call back a short time later to inform them there had been a mistake.
Ring died in the hospital three days later.
Innisfail Hospital is investigating the circumstances around the error, and has apologised to the family.
The hospital's medical superintendent Dr Peter McKenna said all staff involved in caring for Ring were distressed about the incident.
Cairns and hinterland district director Dr Neil Beaton said the doctor concerned was very experienced.
Beaton could not confirm reports Ring was being placed in a body bag when nurses realised she was breathing.
He said no action would be taken against the doctor concerned while the investigation, which should be completed within two days, was pending.
- AAP
Staff too quick to contact next of kin
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