Toddler’s finger severed during hospital discharge in Thailand
A one-year-old boy in Yasothon Province, Thailand, underwent emergency surgery after a nursing assistant allegedly cut off his index finger while an IV line was being removed during his hospital discharge.
The child, identified as Ufa, had been admitted to hospital on 1 Sept for flu-like symptoms and had stayed for 10 nights.
On the morning of 11 Sept, doctors reportedly examined him and confirmed he had recovered enough to be discharged.
However, while the family was waiting for the IV line to be removed, the incident occurred.
Parent alleges scissors cut through child’s finger
According to Ufa’s mother, Wipaporn (name transliterated from Thai), 24, a male nursing assistant arrived at the bedside with scissors and cotton wool to remove the tape securing the IV needle.
Source: ยโสธรจะเจริญกี่โมง? on Facebook
She alleged that the assistant inserted the scissors near her son’s index finger to cut the tape without first checking the area carefully.
When the tape was removed, the family discovered that the scissors had allegedly cut through the child’s finger.
The mother said her son immediately began crying as a large amount of blood appeared.
Hospital staff provided first aid and arranged an emergency transfer to Sappasitthiprasang Hospital in Ubon Ratchathani Province for treatment.
Doctors perform two surgeries to reattach finger
The child underwent two microvascular surgeries to reattach the severed finger.
Ms Wipaporn later updated that doctors completed the reattachment procedure, but the family was warned that the operation carried a high risk of complications due to the child’s age and the extremely small size of his blood vessels.
Source: ยโสธรจะเจริญกี่โมง? on Facebook
Following the surgeries, the child reportedly experienced pain, difficulty sleeping and breathing difficulties linked to intubation during the procedures.
He was placed under observation while recovering in the post-operative ward.
Family calls for stricter safety measures
Ms Wipaporn said the incident had caused severe emotional distress, as her son had been preparing to return home after recovering from an illness.
She also alleged that the assistant involved had not personally apologised to the family.
Source: วิภาพร นามขันธ์ on Facebook
Representatives from the Yasothon hospital later visited the family, bringing a fruit basket and providing 4,000 baht (about S$152) in initial financial assistance.
The family has not started formal discussions on compensation or possible legal action, as they remain focused on Ufa’s recovery.
Ms Wipaporn urged hospitals and healthcare workers to exercise greater caution during routine procedures, saying stricter safety measures should be implemented to prevent similar incidents.
Also read: Midwife in China accidentally severs newborn’s finger while cutting umbilical cord
Midwife in China accidentally severs newborn’s finger while cutting umbilical cord
Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com.
Featured image adapted from วิภาพร นามขันธ์ on Facebook and ยโสธรจะเจริญกี่โมง? on Facebook.
