Formal Statement of Complaint Regarding Medical Negligence and Patient Mistreatment at Erlanger East Hospital, Chattanooga, TN
On August 24, 2025, I was admitted to Room 318 on the third floor of Erlanger East Hospital in Chattanooga, Tennessee, following a series of exhausting medical treatments and a recent gallbladder removal surgery. I arrived at the ER in severe, chronic pain, experiencing episodes of near-unconsciousness due to the intensity of my condition. I am a Type 1 diabetic, legally blind, and suffer from advanced neuropathy, as well as swelling in my bladder and kidneys--conditions that require vigilant, compassionate, and competent care.
Instead, I was met with gross negligence and misconduct that endangered my health and dignity.
My assigned nurse, Mary, observed that my IV was leaking and proceeded to administer a pain medication injection. The medication immediately expelled from the compromised IV site. She then removed the IV and attempted to insert a new one, blowing multiple veins in the process. Without completing the procedure or offering further assistance, she left the room. I was left in level 10 pain, without access to medication, and no functioning IV.
Despite repeatedly pressing the call button and requesting the charge nurse, no one responded. In desperation, I wandered the halls in excruciating pain, searching for help. Eventually, I was escorted back to my room and informed that no further pain relief could be administered without a new IV. The IV team was finally called, and David, the charge nurse, became involved.
At this point, I discovered that towels soaked in blood and IV fluid--clear evidence of the failed procedure--had been removed from the room. This appeared to be a deliberate attempt to conceal the negligence. Rather than addressing the misconduct, staff began to shift blame onto me, insinuating that I was seeking medication inappropriately. This was not only false but deeply insulting. I had previously been offered a medication in the ER that was ineffective, and I had clearly communicated that I needed to speak with the prescribing physician before continuing. That request was denied for several hours.
When the physician finally arrived, I was again met with blame and dismissal. No accountability was taken for Nurse Mary's actions, and no corrective measures were offered. I remained in severe pain and was forced to wait additional hours for proper treatment.
This experience was not only physically agonizing but emotionally degrading. As a medically complex patient who came to this hospital seeking urgent care--not judgment, mistreatment, or neglect--I was subjected to unprofessional, unethical, and dangerous behavior. The staff's actions violated basic standards of care and patient rights. The culture of covering for one another instead of protecting patients is deeply troubling.
I intend to file a formal complaint and request a full investigation through Rachel Harris. I will pursue this matter until all responsible parties are held accountable. No patient--especially one with multiple serious health conditions--should ever be subjected to this level of pain, negligence, or humiliation.
I strongly advise others to exercise extreme caution before entrusting this facility with the care of their loved ones.
Sincerely, Randi Marie Felix read more
