Hospital error leads to shocking discovery hours after pronouncement

  In a bizarre turn of events, a 90-year-old Brazilian woman, Norma Silveira da Silva, declared dead by doctors, was later discovered alive in a body bag. The incident unfolded at Sao Jose Regional Hospital in Greater Florianopolis on 25 November, raising questions about the hospital’s procedures and prompting investigations.

Norma was initially pronounced dead at 11:40 pm, with the cause listed as infection on her death certificate. Shockingly, she was sent to a crematorium before any family members had the chance to view her body. A vigilant crematorium worker made the astonishing discovery that Norma was still alive, breathing weakly inside the body bag.

Caregiver Jessica Martins Silvi Pereira, 30, expressed her dismay, stating, “It’s a case of neglect that I would not wish on anyone.” Norma’s family is planning to sue the hospital, alleging negligence in handling the situation.

Jessica recounted visiting Norma on Saturday afternoon, where she claimed Norma opened her eyes. Despite this, Norma was later pronounced dead, and the body was sent for cremation without family acknowledgment.

The crematorium worker, upon opening the bag, found Norma breathing weakly. Jessica described the ordeal, saying, “From 11:40 pm until 1:30 am, she was inside the bag almost dying asphyxiated.”

An investigation has been launched into the hospital’s error, with Brazil’s Medical Ethics Committee and the Death Commission set to conduct a thorough inquiry. The Regional Council of Medicine of the State of Santa Catarina has acknowledged the situation and committed to monitoring the case.

Norma’s second death certificate cites ‘septic shock’ as the cause of death, attributed to ‘sepsis with an undefined focus.’ She was cremated on 27 November.