MAY 21, 2009 - Two area hospitals were fined today by the California Department of Public Health for causing harm to patients. UC San Diego Medical Center-Hillcrest received a fine of $25,000 after they left a surgical sponge in a patient during a spinal operation. Although the patient suffered no complications, a second surgery had to be performed to remove the object. Scripps Mercy Hospital was also fined $25,000 for an incidence where respiratory equipment malfunctioned while treating a patient with a traumatic brain injury. The patient was without proper ventilation for several seconds and was left in a permanent vegetative state. However, it is unknown whether the ventilator malfunction or the existing brain injury led to the patient’s condition. Both facilities have been fined the Department of Public Health in the past. Future fines for incidences that occur in 2009 will be raised to $50,000.