Tragic Loss Due to 1,000x Morphine Overdose
Sheila Thurlow tragically died after receiving 1,000 times the intended dose of morphine during a procedure at North West Private Hospital in Brisbane in June 2022. Sheila, 85, had metastatic cancer and was undergoing surgery to insert a pain pump, which was meant to provide relief. However, a massive medication error led to her death.
Her family grew concerned when they had not heard from the hospital for hours after the surgery. They later learned that Sheila had been given 100 mg of morphine instead of the prescribed 100 micrograms, a fatal mistake. Despite efforts to reverse the overdose, including the use of naloxone, Sheila passed away the next morning.
The hospital later admitted that nursing staff had no prior training for this procedure, and one nurse had even “Googled” it the night before. Sheila’s family is still seeking answers and accountability, hoping for a coronial inquest and a formal apology.
Source ABC
