Patient Dies Falling from Fifth-Floor Window

Chair slammed against window multiple times shattered glass, worker says

By By Dan Hounsell


San Diego police are investigating the death of a patient who shattered a fifth-floor window at Kaiser Permanente Zion Medical Center in Grantville recently, according to The San Diego Union-Tribune. Kaiser confirmed the incident but declined to explain the surrounding circumstances.

The organization provided a brief statement but no additional information on what part of the hospital is on Zion’s fifth floor. A person who works there said the unit houses telemetry patients with conditions severe enough to require electronic vital sign monitoring. A chair slammed against the window multiple times was used to shatter the glass, the worker added.

Kaiser did not confirm those details and did not indicate why hospital employees working on the unit were unable to stop the patient before the glass broke or whether the patient was being monitored by an in-person observer or with a closed-circuit video surveillance camera. 



April 6, 2021


Topic Area: Security


Recent Posts

The Hidden Risks of QAC Disinfectants in Healthcare Facilities

Quaternary ammonium compounds are a popular disinfectant choice, but they may be causing more harm than good. A review outlines the problems with QACs and offers a solution.


Sprinkler Compliance: Navigating Code Mandates, Renovation Triggers and Patient Safety

As CMS deadlines approach and renovation projects accelerate, healthcare facility managers must understand how NFPA 101, state fire codes and sprinkler design strategies intersect.


Baptist Health Acquires South Arkansas Regional Hospital

Now operating as Baptist Health Medical Center-El Dorado, the 151-bed facility is the 13th hospital in the Baptist Health system.


Wider View: Planning LED Upgrades Across a Healthcare Portfolio

Upgrade planning has to start with a systemwide, portfolio approach rather than a site-by-site mindset.


Cone Health Plans Hospital in Forsyth County of North Carolina

The 198,593 square-foot facility will be in southeast Forsyth County.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.