So, I have done a lot of research on this,
and Dr. Burke has been kind enough to help me.
And I understand my responsibility in what I've done wrong here.
However, I do think the patient's history is significant in this case.
She still weighs 200 pounds,
which is why no one even noticed it.
But, with that kind of a weight drop, it doesn't matter how much you weigh --
technically, you're anorexic.
Along with all that fat, she was losing heart muscle.
That certainly could be the reason for a small poke to become a large tear.
That still doesn't change the fact, though.
The poke wasn't reported at the time of the occurrence.
- And if I could change that...  - And you can't.
You've left yourself and the hospital open to a tremendous amount of liability.
- Not if the weight loss caused the problem. - I'm sorry, I've no choice... -
I've spoken to the husband, and I believe as long as his wife remains stable --
I can't take your beliefs to the bank, Dr. Burke.
- Dr. Grey made a huge error here. - And she reported it. - Grey
Too late.
And in front of the patient's husband.
But she reported it. She spoke up.
Five years ago, as a C.T. fellow,
I had a nagging feeling that I didn't check the body cavity
of a lung patient closely enough before I closed.
The patient seemed fine post-op, and I was in a hurry.
And yesterday you and Dr. Bailey pulled a towel out from under that patient's lung.
Why didn't I report it at an appropriate time?
Maybe because I was afraid that I would be called
into a meeting where some hospital lawyer's fear of liability could end my career.
Even great doctors make mistakes, and when we do,
we've got to have a chance to speak up without fear of retribution.
Or everyone suffers.
Dr. Grey spoke up. Grey