Hospital Admits Infant Deaths After Meal Held in ICU Ward
A newborn died from a blood infection a day after hospital staff held a meal in the neonatal ICU at Ang Thong Hospital in Thailand; the hospital has launched an investigation and pledged to review infection control measures.
A Chinese restaurant has clarified its involvement in a catering event held in a neonatal intensive care unit at Ang Thong Hospital, emphasizing that the restaurant only provided food while hospital officials selected and arranged the venue. The case stems from the death of a newborn five days after birth. Parents, including Paveena Honsakul, chair of the Paveena Honsakul Foundation for Children and Women, had raised concerns after doctors and nurses held a gathering in the sterile neonatal ICU on the hospital's fifth floor. The child died the next day from a blood infection, despite doctors initially saying the infant was safe.
Ang Thong Hospital has issued a statement expressing sincere condolences to the bereaved family. The hospital confirmed receiving complaints and concerns from relatives regarding the newborn's death and acknowledged a meal had been held in the ICU ward. Preliminary investigation found that while the dining area was separated from the patient care area by a clear plastic curtain, holding such an event adjacent to patient care was inappropriate and warrants review of staff conduct policies.
The hospital has initiated urgent action, including appointing an investigation committee, reviewing treatment protocols against standards, and consulting relevant experts to assess facts. A hospital team has expressed condolences to the family and pledged to address their concerns. The hospital confirmed it will thoroughly investigate and revise safety and infection control measures to restore public confidence.
The Chinese restaurant owner stated they were hired to provide catering for a farewell gathering based on information received, with the employer responsible for venue arrangement. The restaurant staff only learned of the ICU location upon arrival, expressing surprise at the venue. The owner noted that hospital medical personnel had approved the arrangement, and staff carried food into the room. The restaurant typically conducts such events in open areas, but the employer had arranged the ICU venue.
