ORANGE PARK, Fla. — A Jacksonville family says a routine surgery spiraled into a nightmare — one they believe could have been prevented.
They’ve now filed a formal complaint with the state, alleging severe neglect at HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital.
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The family says 68-year-old Mirta Castillo went in for what was supposed to be a simple gallbladder removal in late October. Video and photos taken before the surgery show her smiling, surrounded by family, and enjoying good health.
But her son, Jose Mangual, said everything changed almost immediately after the procedure.
“It’s been hell. It’s honestly been hell. That’s the best way I can describe it,” he said.
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Mangual said the problems started with an error during surgery.
“He perforated her bowels. Nobody caught it for two days,” Mangual said.
He said the delayed detection led to sepsis — a potentially fatal infection — and ultimately the amputation of his mother’s arm.
“The minute I saw her come up from surgery with no arm, I lost it,” he said.
Mangual filed a formal complaint with Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration.
He showed Action News Jax a stack of hundreds of pages of hospital records.
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He said the documentation doesn’t reflect the lack of care and compassion his mother received.
“We walked in and she had feces on her, feces under her nails. On her face. It was horrible. It was really neglectful,” he said.
Castillo remains in the hospital and is now clinging to life. Her son said she is scheduled for her 12th surgery on Friday, to remove more of her arm.
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HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital provided the following full statement:
“Patient privacy is important to us, and I’m unable to provide details about the care provided to any specific patient. Below is a comment for your story.
“We know hospitalizations are difficult for family members and we value loved ones that act as advocates.
“Our leaders are consistently meeting with the family to discuss their concerns and to answer questions.
“Our colleagues have dedicated their professional lives to caring for others and we all feel for the family during this difficult time.
“Sincerely,
Rachel Feller, MBA
Director of Communications & Community Engagement
HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital.”
The family is now facing a bleak Christmas, with the mother and grandmother who lit up their lives still in the hospital.
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