The University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) has terminated the appointment of a locum radiographer over alleged negligence, which reportedly led to the death of a patient at the facility.
According to reports, the incident occurred after a patient, who had been rushed to the hospital in critical condition, could not be promptly attended to due to the unavailability of a key to the emergency X-ray room.
A hospital source, who spoke anonymously, revealed that the emergency team had swiftly examined the patient upon arrival and sought an urgent X-ray to assess the lungs.
However, the radiographer responsible for the procedure was unable to locate the key to the X-ray room.
The source said, “After several hours of waiting, the patient fell into a coma and later died.
Unfortunately, the radiographer could not offer any explanation for the missing key.”
The incident prompted swift action from the hospital’s management.
Just hours after the patient’s death, the locum radiographer received a termination letter dated 22nd January 2025.
The letter, signed by UCTH’s Director of Administration, Dr Maria Bassey, read:
“This is to inform you that your services as a radiographer in the UCTH are no longer required.
Consequently, your appointment is hereby terminated with immediate effect.”
While the letter did not explicitly state the reason for the dismissal, insiders confirmed that it was directly linked to the patient’s unfortunate death due to delayed medical attention.
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