BANGKOK — 12 September 2026, A hospital incident involving a one-year-old child has sparked public concern after the child allegedly lost a finger when a nursing assistant accidentally cut it while removing tape securing an IV line.
The child had been admitted to hospital for flu-like symptoms and stayed for 10 nights. According to the child’s parent, a doctor examined the child in the morning and said the child had recovered and could go home.
Before leaving, the parent waited for the IV line to be removed.
The parent said that because the patient was a young child, tape had been wrapped around the wrist to secure the IV line. A nursing assistant then arrived with scissors and cotton wool to remove the tape.
According to the parent’s account, the assistant inserted the scissors near the child’s index finger in an attempt to cut the tape around the IV needle. However, the scissors allegedly cut through the child’s finger instead.
The parent said the assistant attempted to cut the material several times but initially could not cut through it. Suddenly, a large amount of blood began to flow, revealing that the scissors had not only cut the gauze but had severed the child’s finger.
The child was immediately taken for further treatment and underwent two operations to reattach the finger. Doctors were reportedly able to successfully reattach it.
However, the parent said the child suffered severe pain following the incident, crying and being unable to sleep. The child also reportedly experienced breathing difficulties and required mechanical ventilation.
The incident has caused widespread concern and raised questions about hospital procedures and the standard of care provided during the removal of IV equipment from young patients.
Questions have also been raised over how the incident occurred, as well as what measures the hospital will take to address the consequences and provide assistance to the child and family.
The allegations are based on the parent’s account, and further information from the hospital and relevant authorities is needed to establish the circumstances of the incident.
