A deeply concerning incident in Graz, Austria, has sparked widespread outrage after a female neurosurgeon allegedly allowed her 13-year-old daughter to perform surgery on a patient. The case, which involved the daughter drilling a hole in the patient’s skull during a critical operation, has raised significant ethical and legal questions. The surgery, performed at LKH hospital in January, was deemed successful, but the discovery of the child’s involvement months later has ignited a public outcry.
The patient, a 39-year-old man, was rushed to the hospital after a tree fell on him, causing severe head trauma and broken skull bones. Urgent surgery was required to ensure the patient's survival.
However, in a shocking move, the female doctor permitted her daughter to assist in the surgery, despite her lack of medical qualifications. As part of the surgery, the doctor's daughter was involved in drilling a hole into the patient's skull.
While the surgery was initially deemed successful, the involvement of the child in such a critical medical act was discovered in April, leading to immediate repercussions.
Following the revelation, the hospital suspended the doctor and called the police. Authorities launched an investigation into the incident, and the patient was informed about the involvement of the daughter in the surgery. The suspension of the doctor, who was reportedly working at a Graz hospital at the time, was a necessary step to protect the institution’s reputation and maintain patient safety.
However, in an unexpected twist, the doctor filed a lawsuit against the hospital, arguing that her dismissal did not comply with the terms outlined in her employment contract. This legal action has sparked outrage among many who feel that the doctor is attempting to deflect accountability for her actions.
In a recent hearing, the doctor’s lawyer argued that the immediate suspension was an inappropriate response, claiming the doctor should have been fired immediately after giving her statement. The lawyer also noted that the doctor was only dismissed after a statement from the anesthetist, who was present during the surgery, confirmed the details of the event. The court has now postponed the case until January 20, with the doctor insisting that she will not discuss any settlement until her job is reinstated.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Dr. Sreelekshmi P/MSM)