Čakovec hospital commission clears staff in patient death investigation

An eight-member internal commission at the County Hospital Čakovec has concluded that medical staff acted appropriately following the death of 38-year-old Luka Palatinuš. The investigation found that the patient, who arrived at the emergency department on August 19 reporting chest pain and tingling in his right arm, was examined and treated according to protocol. The commission stated that his sudden death could not have been predicted or prevented.

The hospital's findings, which note that the patient denied shortness of breath or dizziness and showed complete regression of symptoms after receiving medication, are being contested by his widow, Jasmina. She claims that Palatinuš was struggling to breathe, experiencing intense pain, and was sweating profusely at the time of his arrival. She has formally requested that the medical documentation be amended to reflect the severity of his condition.

While the internal audit cleared the staff of wrongdoing, the Ministry of Health has launched a separate health inspection to verify if the treatment complied with professional standards.