Severing of infant's finger: two inquiries initiated

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

A probe is underway into an incident involving a seven-day old infant whose finger had been accidentally severed by a nurse attached to the Sirimawo Bandaranaike Children's Hospital, Peradeniya.

Hospital Deputy Director Dr. Sampath Ranaweera who confirmed the incident said two inquiries have been initiated by the Department and the hospital into this case.

"An operation had been performed to save the finger of the child, but it has not been successful. Therefore, another surgery is due to be performed within the next few days, hospital sources said.

The nurse had reportedly admitted that the finger was cut accidentally, while administering an injection. Health Ministry Secretary Dr.Nihal Jayathilake has decided to hold a special investigation into this incident and the Health Ministry will take disciplinary action against the particular nurse, if investigations prove that negligence on her part led to this unfortunate incident.