# Medical negligence allegations at Čakovec Hospital

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/medical-negligence-allegations-at-akovec-hospital
> Updated: 2026-09-03T10:50:00.000Z. Sources: 25. Developments: 4.

The County Hospital Čakovec in Croatia is facing allegations of medical negligence following two separate incidents involving cardiac symptoms. In late August, 38-year-old entrepreneur Luka Palatinuš died in the hospital’s waiting room after arriving with chest pains and high blood pressure. An internal eight-member commission has since concluded that staff acted appropriately and followed protocol, stating his death “could not have been predicted or prevented.” The commission noted that Palatinuš had denied shortness of breath and showed symptom regression after medication. However, his widow, Jasmina, is contesting these findings, claiming he was sweating profusely and struggling to breathe. She has formally requested that medical documentation be amended to reflect the severity of his condition. The Ministry of Health has launched a separate health inspection to verify if treatment complied with professional standards. Following this death, patient Tomica Horvat came forward with similar claims. Horvat reported that in mid-June, he sought emergency care for chest, shoulder, and back pain, as well as numbness in his left arm. Despite undergoing an EKG, X-rays, and blood tests, he was discharged after approximately 30 minutes. After seeking a second opinion from a private cardiologist, Horvat was advised to seek help in Zagreb after being told at Čakovec he would face a multi-month wait for vascular imaging. Upon arriving at a private clinic in Zagreb in July, medical staff reportedly stated he had arrived at the ‘last moment.’ He subsequently underwent emergency surgery to receive a stent and two balloons. In response to the public outcry, the Professional Council of the hospital issued a statement addressing recent criticism and attacks. The council expressed condolences to the grieving family but reported that medical professionals have been subjected to insults, threats, and verbal attacks.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-03: Županijska bolnica Čakovec defends staff against threats and criticism

The Professional Council of Županijska bolnica Čakovec responded to public criticism and threats against medical staff following a patient death, defending the professional credentials of its employees.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/upanijska-bolnica-akovec-defends-staff-against-threats-and-criticism

### 2026-09-02: Čakovec hospital commission clears staff in patient death investigation

An internal investigation at Čakovec hospital cleared staff of negligence in the death of 38-year-old Luka Palatinuš, though his widow disputes the medical records regarding his symptoms.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/akovec-hospital-commission-clears-staff-in-patient-death-investigation

### 2026-08-31: Čakovec hospital faces negligence allegations after patient survival

A patient has alleged medical negligence at Croatia's Čakovec hospital, claiming he was discharged despite severe cardiac symptoms and only survived after seeking emergency private care in Zagreb.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/akovec-hospital-faces-negligence-allegations-after-patient-survival

### 2026-08-28: Čakovec Hospital under scrutiny after entrepreneur dies in waiting room

Entrepreneur Luka Palatinuš died in the waiting room of Čakovec Hospital after seeking help for chest pains and high blood pressure. His family alleges medical negligence, while the hospital defends its triage.

17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/akovec-hospital-under-scrutiny-after-entrepreneurs-death-in-waiting-room

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Cite as: Medical negligence allegations at Čakovec Hospital. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/medical-negligence-allegations-at-akovec-hospital