…Condoles with Family of Deceased Patient
By Jude Atupulazi
The Management of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH) Amaku, Awka, has advised social media users against spreading false and unverified information capable of causing unnecessary public anxiety and damaging the reputation of public institutions.
Reacting to a social media post on the death of a patient at the hospital, the Management of the hospital led by Dr Maureen Umeakuewulu, the Chief Medical Director, CMD, while extending its ‘heartfelt condolences’ to the family of the late patient, Mrs. Uche Amarachi, and sharing in their grief, however, urged the individuals and social media users to refrain from spreading unverified and misleading information capable of causing unnecessary public anxiety and damaging the reputation of health care professionals and institutions committed to saving lives.
A press statement from the COOUTH Media Department signed by Ms Henrietta Agbai, said the hospital remained committed to ethical, evidence-based medical practice and would continue to provide quality healthcare in line with the highest professional standards while respecting patient confidentiality.
‘Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH) Amaku, Awka, has noted with concern, the misleading narratives circulating on social media regarding the unfortunate demise of Mrs Uche-Chukwudokwe Amarachi.
‘Contrary to claims that the patient presented to our hospital at 14 weeks of pregnancy with “cold and catarrh,” hospital records show that she presented to our facility after having been managed at a private hospital for generalized body swelling and difficulty in breathing.
‘Further investigations conducted at our hospital revealed significant anaemia, with a packed cell volume (PCV) of 20%, proteinuria of 3+ (+++), haematuria of 3+ (+++), and pleural effusion. Based on these clinical findings and investigations, a diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome was made.
‘Nephrotic Syndrome is a serious kidney condition associated with significant maternal and fetal risks. Following a comprehensive clinical evaluation, involving multi- disciplinary team review, the patient’s husband was counselled on the need for termination of the pregnancy in the interest of preserving his wife’s life. However, both husband and the patient declined the expert recommendation at the time.
‘The patient was transfused with three units of blood, following which her blood level improved, alongside other multidisciplinary management and care.
‘However, as her clinical condition subsequently deteriorated and she lapsed into unconsciousness, the husband gave consent on the same day for termination of the pregnancy. The multidisciplinary team immediately commenced preparations to undertake the procedure. Sadly, despite these efforts, the patient passed away later that same day, before the termination of pregnancy could be performed.
‘The unfortunate outcome was associated with the progression of her severe underlying medical condition, rather than the minor ailment being portrayed on social media.
‘Once again COOUTH sends its deepest condolences to the bereaved, and pray that God grants the soul of the deceased eternal rest,’ the release stated.
