Victim Cheers Hospital Suspension

A man who had the wrong foot amputated attended a “walkathon” Saturday in a wheelchair and praised a ban on elective surgery at the hospital where it happened.

“Hopefully, it will bring some kind of solutions,” Willie King said at the event in his honor.

Doctors at University Community Hospital mistakenly amputated King’s left foot on Feb. 20. His right foot was amputated soon after.

In March, a patient died at the hospital after mistakenly being removed from a ventilator.

The state Agency for Health Care Administration imposed the ban from Saturday until all medical and surgical staff are trained in new procedures to avoid such mistakes.

King, his stumps covered in tan socks, joined about 15 others in a drizzle for the two-mile walk to raise awareness of medical mistakes.

“People need to know what’s going on,” said King, who hopes to get artificial limbs. “I’m just trying to get back on my feet and walk again.”