The Tragic Incident at Länsi-Pohjan Central Hospital in Kemi
Kemi|The Finnish Safety Investigation Authority (Otkes) has revealed that there was a normal staff level at the hospital at the time of the incident.
Details of the Incident
A patient fell from the fifth floor of Länsi-Pohjan Central Hospital in Kemi after breaking a window himself, according to a report by the Finnish Safety Investigation Authority (Otkes).
The elderly patient sustained serious injuries in the accident that occurred on November 1st.
Otkes reported that the patient had early in the morning broken the fastening mechanism of the ventilation window in the patient room, removed the insect net from the window, and fell out.
Discovery and Condition of the Patient
The nurses on duty during the night shift noticed the patient missing at around five in the morning during their rounds and began to search for him. The patient was found outside on the ground next to the building.
The patient had been receiving treatment in the internal medicine and neurology department of the hospital. Upon admission to the ward, the patient was confused, but his condition had improved, and he was due to be discharged in the coming days.
Safety Concerns and Oversight
Otkes highlighted in its investigation that the hospital must be a safe place for patients regardless of their health condition or unexpected changes. Patient safety may require, for example, the appointment of a personal nurse. In this case, the patient did not have a personal nurse at the time of the incident.
The safety of windows in patient rooms is part of building security, and patients should not be able to exit through the window, according to Otkes.
“In this particular case, the patient’s confusion was recognized, but various safety measures were not fully explored in relation to the patient’s condition,” the report stated.
Hospital Operations and Outsourcing
Länsi-Pohjan Central Hospital’s operations have been outsourced to Mehiläinen Länsi-Pohja Oy.
Conclusion
This tragic incident at Länsi-Pohjan Central Hospital in Kemi serves as a stark reminder of the importance of patient safety and the need for thorough risk assessments in healthcare settings. It raises questions about oversight, staff training, and facility security, prompting a closer examination of protocols to prevent such incidents in the future.
FAQ
What actions are being taken to prevent similar incidents in the future?
- Reviewing and updating safety protocols for patient rooms and windows
- Enhancing staff training on patient monitoring and supervision
- Implementing stricter security measures for at-risk patients