Maine's largest healthcare system informed still-living patients of their own deaths

"Maine's largest healthcare system accidentally sent condolence letters to more than 500 living patients in effect informing them that they had died. MaineHealth attributed the blunder to a computer system error and apologized. The episode began on 20 October, when the non-profit integrated healthcare system operating across Maine and New Hampshire mailed letters to 531 patients expressing condolences and providing instructions for their next of kin on how to resolve their estates."

"According to MaineHealth, an error with the computer system responsible for generating estate vendor letters caused the letters to inadvertently be issued. MaineHealth sincerely regrets this error and has sent apology letters to all patients who have been affected, the company told the Guardian in a statement. At no time were these patients listed as deceased in their medical records, and the issue has been fully resolved. Nevertheless, some patients who received the letters reported that they were shaken."

"She added that the hospital employee also told her: I'm glad to hear that you're still alive and well. The woman added: And I'm like, Yeah, me too.' I've had some tests done and my doctor is part of MaineHealth but I haven't even been in the hospital for anything serious that I could have died from. So I don't even know where they got that information."

MaineHealth mailed condolence letters on 20 October to 531 living patients, inadvertently informing them they had died. The error was caused by a malfunction in the computer system that generates estate vendor letters. MaineHealth apologized, sent apology letters to affected patients, and stated that no patients were listed as deceased in medical records. The issue has been resolved. Several recipients reported feeling shocked and upset. One patient contacted MaineHealth to confirm wellbeing and expressed concern about potential registration of her death, noting an outstanding bill and lack of recent serious hospital visits.

Read at www.theguardian.com