Incident Raises Questions About Hospital Protocols and Patient Safety
In a shocking incident at Graz University Hospital in Austria, a 13-year-old girl was allegedly allowed to drill a hole in a patient’s skull during emergency surgery. The patient, a 33-year-old man, had been airlifted to the hospital in southeastern Austria after suffering severe head injuries in a forestry accident in January.
According to a report from the Austrian newspaper Kronen Zeitung, the girl is the daughter of a surgeon who was part of the surgical team. During the emergency procedure, the teenager reportedly entered the operating room and participated in the surgery, including drilling into the patient’s skull.
Anonymous tip leads to investigation
The disturbing revelation came to light in April after an anonymous complaint was filed with the public prosecutor’s office. Shockingly, the patient only learned about the unauthorized act three months later, in July. Despite the surgery being technically successful, the man has been unable to return to work since the incident.
Currently, the Graz public prosecutor’s office is investigating the entire surgical team involved in the operation. As a result of the inquiry, both the surgeon and another specialist have reportedly been dismissed from their positions at the hospital.
Victim outraged over incident
The victim, who first heard about the incident through media reports, expressed outrage over the situation. His lawyer, Peter Freiberger, condemned the actions taken during the surgery, stating: “You lie there. Unwilling, unconscious, and become guinea pigs. There’s probably no other way to put it… that’s not possible.” He also criticized the hospital for its lack of communication, adding, “There was no contact, no explanation or apology, nothing. That is simply undignified.”
Public reaction and hospital silence
The public has been stunned by the news that a child was permitted to enter an operating room and perform such a critical task. Many have expressed disbelief and concern over the apparent disregard for patient safety and medical protocols.
As of now, Graz University Hospital has not released an official statement regarding the incident. The investigation by the public prosecutor’s office continues, and the medical community awaits answers about how such a breach of ethical standards could have occurred.