Report points to hospital’s negligence

Preliminary findings suggest breach of protocol, evidence tampering, cover-up

ISLAMABAD:

The preliminary report into the incident of a newborn who was severely burnt while in an incubator at the neonatal ward of a private hospital suggests that the staff on duty were negligent, did not follow protocols, and the evidence of the incident had been tampered with.

An inspection team of the Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority (IHCA) visited the Shaafi Hospital at Lehtar Road, with its report saying that the facility wasn’t registered with the regulatory body. It also ordered suspension of the operation theatre (OT), with the report saying only emergency services were permitted.

According to the hospital administration, as per the report, a bulb exploded in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) due to short circuit. It resulted in the child’s clothes catching fire and their legs getting burnt.

The report stated that the administration’s statement was inconsistent with the on-ground situation, including the detail about the light bulb.

“All evidences of the incident were wiped off/discarded and linen was removed,” it continued.

It also enumerated several other lapses and inconsistencies including report of first aid administered to the child, with the notes of the nurse and doctor on duty not in the patient file. Other details were also missing, while equipment was also out of order in the ward.

Only one culture was reported in 48 hours even though protocols require six culture samples of a baby.

The first aid given to the girl was not recorded and the accident occurred at 4:30pm, but the report was written by the doctor at 6pm. In the records registered, the incident was recorded on July 5 even though it took place on 03rd July, the report stated.

There wasn’t adequate staff at the hospital at the time of the incident, it continued.

It noted that the operation theatre was in “a very pathetic condition and cramped with unnecessary items”. It described the sterilization of the operation theater as unsatisfactory, and said that the crash cart to deal with the emergency situation was locked and the key was lost.

A written response has also been sought from the hospital administration.

Some hope

Meanwhile, the newborn was shifted to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims), where hospital pooled money to pay for her treatment.

The baby was moved to PIMS on Wednesday with around 30 per cent burns due to the negligence of the staff at the previous hospital.

The parents revealed that they could not afford the treatment and tried to get it done under the health card. However, babies are not covered under the card until their B-forms are issued. Moreover, last week the Punjab caretaker government changed the policy regarding free treatment under the card at private hospitals.

Although the baby is in critical condition, efforts are being made to save her life, said doctors treating her.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, July 7^th, 2023.