Marin Hospital Death Blamed On Unchecked Ventilator

GREENBRAE (CBS/AP) -- Officials investigating the death of a 52-year-old woman at Marin General Hospital said hospital staff failed to confirm that her ventilator was working before leaving her room.

The Marin County Coroner's Office issued the finding in the death of Colette Stott on Wednesday.

According to the coroner, hospital staff inserted a ventilation tube into Stott's throat after she began having trouble breathing on May 5.

Stott was suffering from a genetic disorder and had been a ward of the state since childhood.

Assistant County Coroner Keith Boyd says staff members only realized the ventilator was not providing oxygen to Stott when they received an alert that her heart rate had dropped.

Stott was pronounced dead after attempts to revive her failed.

Hospital spokeswoman Jamie Maites said the hospital has implemented new safety procedures.

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