Multiple probes underway into possible missed dialysis-linked inmate's death - Salt Lake Tribune PDF Print

When the kidneys cannot pass potassium, a person's heart can fail — as Estrada's did Sunday night, as medics were getting him ready to go to the hospital.

Multiple investigations were underway Wednesday to figure out why he did not receive dialysis treatment as scheduled. A technician — employed by Sandy's South Valley Dialysis, which is operated by University of Utah Health Care — did not show up as anticipated Friday and also did not show Saturday, said Brooke Adams, a spokeswoman for the prison.

Meanwhile, Richard Garden, the prison's medical director, has been placed on administrative leave pending results of the investigations. The Utah Department of Corrections is investigating what occurred and so is U. Health Care.

Unified Police, who typically investigate inmate deaths at the Draper prison, also are trying to determine what occurred.

"There was nothing suspicious at the scene," said Unified Police Lt. Justin Hoyal, "and we are now awaiting autopsy results."

What actions have been taken or are anticipated related to Estrada's death by South Valley Dialysis were not known. However, spokeswoman Kathy Wilets confirmed that supervising U. Health Care, too, is conducting an internal investigation into the matter.

"Until we have more information," Wilets said, "I don't have anything more I can add at this time."

Earlier, Wilets had issued a statement expressing sorrow, along with concern "about the scheduling error for dialysis services provided at the prison," which she characterized as an " unacceptable mistake" that will result in "whatever steps are necessary to improve communications and procedures."

In the wake of Estrada's death, six other inmates who also had missed planned dialysis treatments were taken to University Hospital for evaluation. Two were found to be in good condition and returned to the prison. Four inmates were admitted for treatment; all of them had been returned to the prison by late Tuesday.

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"It is unacceptable the inmates did not receive the medical care they needed when they needed it," said Marty Carpenter, spokesman for Utah Gov. Gary Herbert, said in a statement. "The governor has called for a full investigation by the Dept. of Corrections Law Enforcement Bureau, so we can fully understand what went wrong, who was responsible and determine the appropriate actions to make sure it never happens again."

And the Disability Law Center is investigating Estrada's death for potential civil rights violations, said Aaron Kinikini, the center's legal director.



 

 

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