A Lupane nurse is under suspicion and is being investigated for causing the death of a newborn baby after reportedly administering injections to stop the baby from crying. Although the mother did not make a formal complaint, the police received a tip-off that the nurse’s actions could have caused the death. The nurse is reported to have admitted to the police that she administered Benzylpenicillin Sodium although she did not record it.
Matabeleland North provincial medical director Dr. Nyasha Masuka confirmed the issue saying:
Police went to the clinic to investigate acting on a tip off. I can’t confirm anything until I get an official report from the district medical officer.
I would like the mother of the child to make an official complaint so that the issue can be dealt with professionally.
Sources at the hospital told the Chronicle:
..The baby was still crying and Sr Phiri administered another injection. The baby suddenly became sick and looked paralysed. She stopped drinking milk and started breathing with difficulty. Sr Phiri used oxygen equipment to assist the baby but her situation deteriorated.
Despite frantic efforts to get the baby to St Luke’s Hospital in Lupane, the child died in the ambulance before reaching the hospital.
More: Chronicle
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