Statement by Dr. Richard Davis, Chief Medical Officer, CHRISTUS Spohn
 Health System
HEPARIN UPDATE – 5:15 PM

Corpus Christi, Texas (July 10, 2008) – CHRISTUS Spohn confirms that an error occurred during the mixing process in our hospital pharmacy.  The error was unrelated to product labeling or packaging.

In the opinion of the attending neonatologist physician, at this time no direct adverse effects of Heparin have been identified in the infants that died or any other patients in the NICU and we continue to monitor all babies in the NICU.

Having a baby in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) can be very difficult for any family. Our priority is providing quality care for our patients and compassionate support for their families.

As always, CHRISTUS Spohn remains committed to our Mission of Extending the Healing Ministry of Jesus Christ.

Question and Answers

1.      Are autopsies being conducted, if so, what are the results?

Autopsies are in process at an independent facility; however, no information can be released without the family’s permission.

2.      Are regulatory agencies conducting an investigation?

We have contacted the appropriate agencies.  The Texas Department of State Health Services is conducting a review.

CHRISTUS Spohn Health System is the region’s largest charity care provider and not-for-profit health care system consisting of six hospital campuses - CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi (Shoreline, Memorial and South), CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Alice, CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Beeville and CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Kleberg (Kingsville). The health system is consistently ranked as a leading health system in the area and has received national recognition for several pioneering programs, including cardiac care, clinical excellence and oncology. For more than 100 years, CHRISTUS Spohn has been distinguished by its high caliber staff and affiliated physicians, its comprehensive and innovative services, and its long history of responding to the needs of the community it serves. For additional information, visit our website at www.christusspohn.org.