A hospital in Thailand has apologised after a male assistant nurse reportedly severed part of a one-year-old boy's right index finger with scissors, according to reports.
The incident took place at Loengnoktha Crown Prince Hospital in Yasothon on September 11, as staff were removing gauze securing an intravenous tube during the boy's discharge, the Bangkok Post reported. After the mistake, the severed finger was placed in an ice box so the boy could be transferred to Sunpasitthiprasong Hospital for reattachment surgery.
Two operations and ongoing treatment
The youngster has since had two operations, though it is reportedly too soon to determine whether the procedure was successful. He was initially admitted on September 2 with a respiratory and gastrointestinal infection.
The incident was made public by the boy's mother, Wiphaphon Namkhan, who shared a timeline and photographs of what happened on Facebook. According to Namkhan, the assistant nurse allegedly positioned the scissors between the boy's fingers but struggled to cut through the gauze between them. Blood suddenly spurted out, and it was discovered that part of the boy's finger had been severed.
Hospital apology and investigation
The hospital issued a public apology following the incident and launched an investigation. It also confirmed the nurse has been suspended.
The statement confirmed: "Following the incident, the medical and nursing team worked together to provide assistance to the patient to the best of their abilities, and a comprehensive review of patient care procedures has been conducted to ensure the safety of future hospital patients".
It is understood that the youngster's family have subsequently lodged a police report. He continues to receive treatment in hospital and is presently experiencing respiratory problems, according to Namkhan.
