The attention of management of LASUTH has been drawn to some newspaper reports about a 12-year-old patient who was referred to our hospital from Obitoks Medical Centre, Ile-Epo, Abule-Egba area of Lagos State following complications resulting from repeated abdominal surgeries.
First, we will like to state emphatically that we will not normally engage in discussions about patients’ clinical conditions on the pages of newspapers as this is against the ethics of best clinical practice. However, this rejoinder is necessary in order to clear the air and prevent misinformation. Expectedly, we will be circumspect in our response and ensure that the privacy of the innocent boy is protected. The clinical details will be provided and taken up at the level of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria if and when the matter is referred to that body.
We have all the evidence required by law to show that what was carried out in LASUTH is a corrective LIFE SAVING SURGRY on a patient who had serious complications following surgeries performed in a private hospital.
Furthermore, going to press and publishing a story without taking time to hear from all parties involved is highly unprofessional as there was no effort made by the reporters of Vanguard newspaper to speak to LASUTH authorities.
The boy is still under our care and all hands are on deck to continue to offer expert care.
