News Summary
A family has settled a lawsuit after Bart Writer’s death during routine cataract surgery, raising concerns over surgeon distractions, including a bingo game. The incident led to allegations of negligence and an unsettling lack of attention to patient care, highlighting the critical importance of vigilance in healthcare environments. The case has sparked outrage regarding medical professional conduct and the expectations families have for safety during surgical procedures.
Lone Tree, Colorado – A family has settled a lawsuit following the death of Bart Writer during routine cataract surgery, a case that drew attention due to allegations that surgeons were engaged in a game of bingo while the procedure was ongoing. Bart Writer passed away on February 3, 2023, at the InSight Surgery Center, located in a suburb of Denver. His wife, Chris Writer, expressed her condemnation of the events leading to her husband’s death, feeling that the medical staff completely failed to provide the necessary care.
The surgery was intended to last about 10 minutes and is generally considered a common procedure. However, within minutes of beginning it, Bart Writer experienced severe respiratory distress, a turn of events that resulted in his vital signs becoming abnormal. While the alarms monitoring his condition reportedly remained silent or were not activated, Dr. C. Starck Johnson, the lead surgeon, and anesthesiologist Dr. Michael Urban were allegedly playing a game of “music bingo,” a trivial pursuit that required them to identify songs from the 1970s and 1980s rather than focusing on the operation.
Chris Writer was informed she could leave the facility during the procedure, but shortly after the surgery commenced, she received a phone call from Dr. Johnson asking to meet him in the parking lot where he questioned her belief in God, raising concerns about the priorities of the medical team at such a critical moment.
As the surgery progressed, it became apparent that Bart Writer was not receiving sufficient oxygen, leading to him turning blue. It was only after significant delays that he was transferred to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead from cardiac arrest. Shockingly, it was later revealed to Chris Writer by another doctor that the surgical team had been distracted by the bingo game during this critical time.
The medical professionals involved have provided differing accounts regarding the responsibility for the mishap. Dr. Johnson’s legal representative stated that he depended on Dr. Urban for monitoring Bart Writer’s anesthesia and condition. In contrast, Dr. Urban’s attorney has claimed that the anesthesiologist stands by his actions and refutes Dr. Johnson’s assertions regarding protocol violations.
The controversy surrounding this case has led to outrage regarding the conduct of the medical practitioners involved. Following the incident, Chris Writer, set to celebrate her 25th wedding anniversary with Bart on July 15, expressed feelings of anger and frustration towards the surgical team, emphasizing their negligence. The legal battle culminated in a settlement between Chris Writer and Dr. Johnson for an undisclosed amount. Meanwhile, Dr. Urban’s medical license has expired in Colorado, although he retains the ability to practice in Oregon.
This incident raises broader questions about patient safety and the importance of focus and attentiveness in medical environments, particularly during surgical procedures. As families trust healthcare providers with their loved ones’ lives, the expectation for accountability and professionalism cannot be overstated. The tragic outcome of Bart Writer’s surgery serves as a reminder of the critical importance of vigilance in healthcare settings.
Though this case has reached a legal resolution, the implications for medical ethics and patient care continue to resonate in discussions about safety protocols in surgical environments. Families expect that their well-being is the top priority; however, distractions among medical teams can lead to devastating consequences.
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