Patient alleges abuse by nurses and makes 2 police reports, Sengkang General Hospital looking into matter
A patient alleged she was abused by nurses at Sengkang General Hospital and has made two police reports about two separate incidents.
Stomper Andrea said she had gone to the hospital on Jan 7 to remove her indwelling urinary catheter, but had a seizure while waiting for triage. The 27-year-old was admitted for acute urine retention.
The first alleged incident took place on Jan 18 some time after 10pm.
"I was seated in a geri chair near the nurses' counter because I did not wish to remain in my room as it was quite small. I felt it was stuffy," recounted Andrea.
"While I was looking down at the chair's locking mechanism, nurse A instructed nurse Z and two other nurses to restrain me and return me to my bed. Subsequently, the nurses forcefully pushed me into my room."
The Stomper claimed that nurse Z threatened her in a low voice: "Since your parents are not around, I can do whatever I like. I have no patience with you as I have no children."
Andrea said nurse Z and the two other nurses then forcefully restrained her on the bed.
"I felt threatened, intimidated and unsafe during this incident," said the Stomper.
The second alleged incident took place the next night.
Andrea explained that because of her urinary retention, she required an intermittent urinary catheterisation procedure to be performed using strict aseptic techniques, which nurse A failed to adhere to.
The patient claimed the nurse used non-sterile and inappropriate instruments for the procedure.
The Stomper said: "She did not cleanse my genital area with a disinfectant solution as required. Instead, she roughly wiped the area using wet wipes.
"She inserted the suction catheter into my urethra, causing significant pain. When I verbally expressed that I was in pain, she continued advancing the catheter."
Andrea told Stomp: "These incidents have left me deeply upset, traumatised and fearful for my safety and well-being while under medical care.
"I believe the conduct described constitutes serious professional misconduct, abuse, and potential criminal wrongdoing."
When contacted by Stomp, the police confirmed the reports were lodged.
In response to a Stomp query, a spokesperson for Sengkang General Hospital said the hospital is aware of the allegations and takes all patient feedback seriously.
"We are looking into this matter and will work with the relevant authorities while remaining in contact with the patient and her family to address their concerns," she said.
"Our clinical teams follow established clinical protocols designed to ensure patient safety and wellbeing. These procedures are implemented when medically necessary to protect patients from harm."
The spokesperson added that she was unable to discuss specific details due to patient confidentiality and ongoing investigations.
"We remain committed to providing safe, appropriate care to all our patients."
