Four Nurses Suspended for Negligence Leading to Amputation of Baby's Arms
The Nurses and Midwives Council of Malawi has suspended three nurses at Ntcheu District Hospital after the council board found them guilty of negligence which led to amputation of an arm to a two-months-old baby.
Doctors at Kamuzu Central Hospital conducted the operation after the boy was referred there from Ntcheu district hospital following case mismanagement by nurses in April this year.
Council Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Isabella Musisi, told Zodiak Online that two of the three nurses have been suspended for three months each while one will be on suspension for six months.
"We invited eight nurses for disciplinary hearing after we received the report. And investigations followed. One among the eight was discharged as he was found with no case to answer," said Dr. Musisi.
She added, "four other nurses have been seriously warned and will undergo a six weeks orientation at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital."
Dr. Musisi said the nurses were answering a case of negligence which is contrary to section 56 (f) of Nurses and Midwives Act, chapter 36: 02 of the Laws of Malawi.
Meanwhile Health Rights Activist, George Jobe, has welcomed the verdict but queried on recommendations.
"While we commend the verdict as it will serve as a lesson to the practitioners, we could love if recommendations have talked about compensation to the client," Jobe said.
