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Patient Falls, Dies at Thiruvananthapuram MCH
2 Jun
Summary
- A 62-year-old patient died after falling from a hospital cot.
- The patient was admitted with severe jaundice and neurological issues.
- Concerns raised over patient safety protocols and hospital bed shortages.
A patient's death following a fall from a hospital cot on May 30 at the Government Medical College Hospital (MCH) in Thiruvananthapuram has ignited concerns over patient safety practices. Wilfred, a 62-year-old man from Peryam, Kollam, was admitted with severe jaundice and neurological complications, including altered sensorium, leading to confusion and erratic behavior.
He tragically fell from his cot in ward 5 and, despite being rushed to the ICU, succumbed to his injuries shortly after. Hospital officials have denied any treatment negligence, with Health Minister K. Muraleedharan assuring that actions will be taken based on the upcoming post-mortem report to determine if the fall caused the death.
Public health expert B. Ekbal emphasized that patient safety should never be compromised, even in overcrowded public hospitals. He stressed the critical need for protective side rails on hospital cots, particularly for patients with altered sensorium who may exhibit restlessness. Raised side rails are crucial for preventing falls, a core universal patient safety measure.
Tertiary care hospitals like MCH Thiruvananthapuram often face inadequate bed strength, forcing them to accommodate patients on floors or share cots. This situation severely hampers the implementation of essential safety protocols by even well-trained staff, posing significant risks to patients.
