Hungarian Doctor Convicted Following Death of Patient with Down Syndrome
Tolna County doctor sentenced after negligence led to patient's choking while eating solid food
In a case that has drawn attention to medical negligence, a doctor from Tolna County in Hungary has been convicted following the tragic death of a young man with Down syndrome.
According to Blikk, the case began over four years ago when the young patient, under the care of a local healthcare institution, choked on improperly administered solid food.
The prosecutor charged several staff members from the healthcare facility with occupational negligence resulting in death, citing that they failed to adhere to professional guidelines.
This was despite being aware of the patient's medical history and specific dietary warnings provided by his guardians.
The court, the Szekszárd District Court, acquitted a nurse due to insufficient evidence but found the doctor guilty, sentencing her to a ten-month prison term, suspended for one year.
Furthermore, the court decided not to impose any prohibitions on her professional practice.
She was also preemptively exempted from the adverse legal consequences typically associated with having a criminal record.
Speaking to Blikk, Kiss Istvánné, the foster mother of the deceased, expressed her relief at the ruling of responsibility, though she voiced disappointment over the lack of remorse or condolences from the medical professionals involved.
Despite being present at all court hearings, she noted that even during their final statements, those accused continued to maintain their innocence.
Kiss Istvánné, a 65-year-old caregiver, has dedicated her life to raising nine children with disabilities in her Tengelic home.
Kristian, the deceased, had been in her care since infancy.
Although he faced significant challenges, such as difficulty with mobility and speech, his foster mother cherished the progress he made.
Initially seeking compensation, Kiss Istvánné aimed for a four million forint damage fee but subsequently withdrew her claim.
She is now in negotiations with the hospital and has indicated her willingness to pursue civil litigation if a settlement is not reached.
She plans to donate any award to schools focusing on the emotional development of children with disabilities.
Kristian was admitted to the hospital at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic with pneumonia.
His foster mother specified that due to dysphagia and a weakened pharyngeal reflex associated with his condition, he should only be given pureed food, a note made by the chief physician in his medical records.
Despite these clear instructions, he was served chicken and turkey stew, leading to his death by choking.
The convicted doctor, working at the infectious disease unit since 1998, defended her actions in court by arguing the patient's death was not due to improper ingestion but resulted from postprandial vomiting, which could have been caused by various illnesses and did not necessitate a pureed diet.
According to Blikk, the case began over four years ago when the young patient, under the care of a local healthcare institution, choked on improperly administered solid food.
The prosecutor charged several staff members from the healthcare facility with occupational negligence resulting in death, citing that they failed to adhere to professional guidelines.
This was despite being aware of the patient's medical history and specific dietary warnings provided by his guardians.
The court, the Szekszárd District Court, acquitted a nurse due to insufficient evidence but found the doctor guilty, sentencing her to a ten-month prison term, suspended for one year.
Furthermore, the court decided not to impose any prohibitions on her professional practice.
She was also preemptively exempted from the adverse legal consequences typically associated with having a criminal record.
Speaking to Blikk, Kiss Istvánné, the foster mother of the deceased, expressed her relief at the ruling of responsibility, though she voiced disappointment over the lack of remorse or condolences from the medical professionals involved.
Despite being present at all court hearings, she noted that even during their final statements, those accused continued to maintain their innocence.
Kiss Istvánné, a 65-year-old caregiver, has dedicated her life to raising nine children with disabilities in her Tengelic home.
Kristian, the deceased, had been in her care since infancy.
Although he faced significant challenges, such as difficulty with mobility and speech, his foster mother cherished the progress he made.
Initially seeking compensation, Kiss Istvánné aimed for a four million forint damage fee but subsequently withdrew her claim.
She is now in negotiations with the hospital and has indicated her willingness to pursue civil litigation if a settlement is not reached.
She plans to donate any award to schools focusing on the emotional development of children with disabilities.
Kristian was admitted to the hospital at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic with pneumonia.
His foster mother specified that due to dysphagia and a weakened pharyngeal reflex associated with his condition, he should only be given pureed food, a note made by the chief physician in his medical records.
Despite these clear instructions, he was served chicken and turkey stew, leading to his death by choking.
The convicted doctor, working at the infectious disease unit since 1998, defended her actions in court by arguing the patient's death was not due to improper ingestion but resulted from postprandial vomiting, which could have been caused by various illnesses and did not necessitate a pureed diet.
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