Ahmedabad: Nurse makes deep cut on infant’s thumb while cutting bandage

AHMEDABAD: Controversy erupted at VS Hospital in Ahmedabad on Wednesday morning, over an alleged case of medical negligence towards a 5-month-old infant reported at the hospital. As a 5-month-old girl was being discharged from VS hospital on Sunday, a nursing staffer mistakenly made a deep incision on the infant’s tiny thumb while cutting the bandage on her wrist to be able to remove the intravenous catheter.
Sharing more details, a senior official of VS Hospital said, “The incident occurred around 8pm on Sunday when the patient was about to be discharged from the hospital. However, the infant girl’s wound was stitched up immediately. She is currently recovering at the paediatric care ward of the hospital.”
Refuting all the claims that a part of the infant’s thumb has been cut owing to negligence, a senior official in the hospital clarified, saying, “The bone of the infant’s thumb is completely intact and no grave injury has been caused. She will recover soon.”
Authorities confirmed that the infant, a resident of Danilimda area of Ahmedabad, was brought-in at the hospital on May 29, and was taking treatment for pneumonia.
Authorities at VS Hospital are investigating the matter. Sources confirmed that the nurse involved in the incident is currently on leave. “We cannot take action merely based on allegations. Investigation in the case is underway and once done, we will initiate appropriate action in the matter,” said the in-charge Resident Medical Officer (RMO) at VS Hospital.
Meanwhile, Ahmedabad Mayor Bijal Patel has also ordered an inquiry into the matter. “What has happened is unfortunate and we will not take this lightly. As soon as the nurse involved in the incident reports back on duty, we will take strict action. This will be exemplary action so that in future, employees are more careful and the slightest of negligence is prevented,” said Patel.