Man sent to morgue who was allegedly still alive
An Australian Hospital is under investigation after nurses sent a patient, who was still alive to the morgue in a body bag.
We hands down have the most utter respect for medical staff both in South Africa and abroad.
But this story got us feeling anything but trusting when it comes to giving up our sense of control at any hospital.
A 55-year-old man, Kevin Reid, who was under palliative care at an Australian hospital. Nurses had placed him in a body bag and sent him to the morgue, believing he was deceased.
But here's the twist in the story.
After a doctor at the hospital "discovered fresh blood on the patient's hospital gown, two of his limbs had moved, and his eyes were open, it raised concerns that the man had still been alive when put in the bag." (Daily Mail)
The doctor requested that the state coroner investigate the man's death as he was allegedly asked by hospital staff to backdate the man's death certificate.
Read more: Services resume at Panorama Mediclinic following fire
https://www.jacarandafm.com/news/news/services-resume-panorama-mediclinic-following-fire/
According to the news source, the nurses believed the man to be deceased and after informing his family of his death, they sent his body to the mortuary.
"Nurses believed he had died but no doctor attended to certify this, which the hospital has blamed on being short-staffed and due to confusion because two patients had died within moments of each other.
The doctor attended the other patient's ward but not Mr Reid's and he was transferred to the mortuary." (Daily Mail)
Although things are painting a negative image for these healthcare professionals. The seriousness in hospital staff shortage and over worked staff members we have heard far too often.
The Health Service Chief Executive, Paul Forden informed reporters that an experienced nurse had examined Mr. Reid and found no sign of life.
He also added that the investigation is not determine whether or not Mr. Reid was deceased when he was sent to the morgue, but rather whether the protocols after his death were followed.
Image Credit: Pexels