A nurse identified as Taiwo Godwin Ayodeji has died after suffering an asthma attack at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Ogun State, sparking outrage over alleged medical negligence.
Ayodeji, a post-basic nursing student at the School of Nursing, Aro, was said to be a known asthma patient.
According to an eyewitness account, Ayodeji developed breathing difficulties while playing football and was rushed to the hospital's emergency unit.
A friend who accompanied him said the deceased was still able to walk into the facility on arrival.
The eyewitness, however, alleged that although Ayodeji was placed on oxygen equipment, the oxygen supply was not turned on.
“I noticed he was on oxygen, but the oxygen was not put on,” the source was quoted as saying.
The source further alleged that by the time the medical team attended to him, his condition had deteriorated, with a weak pulse and dilated pupils. Efforts to secure his airway were reportedly unsuccessful before he was pronounced dead.
The eyewitness also alleged that Ayodeji's death was the second time a nurse from the same school had died at the facility this year, raising concerns among colleagues and students.
Reacting to the incident, the management of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, confirmed the death and announced an investigation.
In a press statement signed by the Public Relations Officer, Ajibola Joseph Oluwatoyin Abiola, on behalf of the Acting Provost and Medical Director on Saturday, the hospital said it was deeply saddened by the untimely death of Mr Taiwo Godwin while receiving care at its General Medical Practice Unit, GMPU.
“The management extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends, colleagues, fellow students, and the entire nursing community over this painful loss,” the statement said.
The hospital assured students, staff and the public that an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident was ongoing, promising that it would be thorough, impartial and transparent.
It urged the public to remain calm and allow the investigation to proceed.
“We remain committed to patient safety, professional accountability and the highest standards of care,” the statement added.
Nurse dies during asthma attack at Ogun psychiatric hospital as colleague alleges oxygen failure