Advertisement

Pennsylvania hospital’s use of heating blanket probed after 6-year-old dies

A file photo of hospital beds. OJO Images / Rex Features

HERSHEY, Pa. — A Pennsylvania prosecutor is reviewing the death of a 6-year-old boy whose temperature topped 107 degrees (41.7 Celsius) while he was under a special heating blanket at Penn State Hershey Medical Center in January.

READ MORE: 78-year-old woman dies in Ontario hospital foyer

The Pennsylvania Department of Health last week announced it cited the hospital, saying there are no records that the boy’s temperature was taken during a 10-hour period, and because the hospital didn’t report the “serious event” until 77 days later. Such incidents are supposed to be reported within 24 hours.

Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.

Get weekly health news

Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

WATCH: Moncton volunteers create comfort for children in crisis

Click to play video: '‘We make blankets for anyone who needs a hug’: Moncton volunteers create comfort for children in crisis'
‘We make blankets for anyone who needs a hug’: Moncton volunteers create comfort for children in crisis

The hospital has launched its own investigation and taken corrective steps, but Dauphin County District Attorney Ed Marsico wants to review the incident. He stopped short of calling that a full-blown investigation.

Story continues below advertisement

The boy, who had other health issues, had a below-normal temperature and was put under the blanket to raise his temperature.

Sponsored content

AdChoices