Fresh Scandal Grapples Kenyatta National Hospital as Surgeon Performs Brain Surgery on Wrong Patient

A fresh scandal has grappled Kenya's biggest referral hospital, Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) after a neurosurgeon reportedly performed a brain surgery on a wrong patient.

The procedure was supposed to be carried out on a patient who had a blood clot in his brain, but was instead done on one who only required nursing and treatment for a swelling in his head.

It was only after hours into the surgery that doctors failed to identify the blood clot and learnt they had cut open the skull of the wrong patient.

Confirming the horrific blunder in a statement on Thursday, KNH Chief Executive Officer, Lily Koros said the hospital had suspended the Neurosurgery Registrar and issued him with a show-cause letter for the delicate procedure on the wrong patient. Also interdicted are the Ward nurse, theatre receiving nurse and the anaesthetist over the mishap.

“The hospital deeply regrets this event and has done all it can to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the patient in question. We are happy to inform the public that the patient is in recovery and progressing well,” read part of the statement.

“The hospital will advise the public on actions taken once the investigation is over,” added Koros.

Two weeks ago, KNH was was on the spot after a twin baby was stolen at the hospital in broad daylight. The three-week old baby was later recovered at a house in Kawangware estate in Nairobi.

In January, the hospital was in the headlines for the wrong reasons, after a number of women claimed they were raped after delivery at the facility.