Thai hospital apologises after nurse cuts off 1-year-old boy's index finger with scissors

A Thai hospital has apologised after an assistant nurse accidentally snipped off a part of a toddler's right index finger with scissors.

In a statement to Facebook on Sep. 12, Loengnoktha Crown Prince Hospital, located in the northeastern Thai province of Yasothon, said the incident occurred during the boy's discharge on Sep. 11.

According to the Bangkok Post, during a procedure to remove an intravenous tube, the male nurse cut off part of the child's index finger while removing the gauze wrapping that held the tube in place.

The severed part was put into an ice box and transported with the toddler to Sunpasitthiprasong Hospital for reattachment, with the procedure requiring two operations, reported the Bangkok Post.

Wiphaphon Namkhan (transliteration), who appeared to be the boy's mother, also took to Facebook to provide a timeline of the events, stating that her child was still in pain and receiving treatment at the hospital.

Originally admitted after respiratory and gastrointestinal infections

The hospital's statement noted that the boy was admitted on Sep. 2 due to a respiratory and gastrointestinal infection.

He was treated until his condition improved and was supposed to be discharged on the day of the incident.

According to Namkhan, the assistant nurse allegedly inserted the scissors between the boy's fingers and attempted to cut the gauze, but it would not cut through.

After several attempts, a large amount of blood spurted out, and staff discovered that they had severed the small knuckle of the boy's index finger.

In the events that followed, the hospital said it immediately provided first aid and care by specialists in paediatrics, surgery and orthopaedic surgery, according to the hospital's statement.

The apology stated that the hospital deeply understood the anxiety and distress caused to the patient and family.

A hospital representative also visited the boy to provide support and encouragement, and the hospital said it will continue to provide ongoing support, including medical expenses, travel, compensation and all entitlements both during and after discharge.

Assistant nurse suspended

The statement said, "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".

The Bangkok Post wrote that surgeons have yet to assess if the surgery was successful and added that the assistant nurse was suspended while investigations continue.

Namkhan said that a police report was filed and the child still experienced pain and difficulty breathing as side effects of the surgery.