A one-year-old child allegedly lost a finger at a Bangkok hospital after a nursing assistant used scissors to remove tape securing an IV line, according to the child's parent. The child was taken for emergency treatment and underwent two operations, with doctors reportedly able to reattach the finger.

The incident, reported to the media on 12 September, has prompted questions over procedures for removing IV equipment from very young patients. The hospital has not been named in the account, and further information from hospital officials and relevant authorities is needed to establish exactly what happened.

Injury allegedly happened before discharge

The child had been admitted with flu-like symptoms and remained in hospital for 10 nights, the parent said. A doctor examined the child on the morning of the planned discharge and said the child had recovered and could return home.

Before leaving, the parent waited for the IV line to be removed. Because the patient was so young, tape had been wrapped around the child's wrist to keep the IV line in place.

A nursing assistant arrived carrying scissors and cotton wool to remove the tape, according to the parent. The assistant allegedly placed the scissors close to the child's index finger while trying to cut material around the IV needle.

The parent said the assistant tried several times to cut through the material but initially could not do so. Blood then began to flow heavily, and the parent said it became apparent that the scissors had cut through the child's finger rather than only the gauze.

Child required two operations

The child was immediately taken for further medical treatment and had two operations to reattach the finger. Doctors reportedly succeeded in reattaching it.

However, the parent said the child suffered severe pain after the injury, cried continuously and could not sleep. The child also reportedly developed breathing difficulties and required mechanical ventilation.

The case is based on the parent's account, rather than a formal finding on what occurred. It has nevertheless raised public concern about safeguards and standards of care when IV lines are removed from young children, as well as what support the hospital may provide to the child and family.

No formal statement has yet been issued by the hospital.

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

Join the discussion?

13 September 2026

View full article

Thailand wanted to be a health hub, but there are really some issues lately in the news. Not even private hospitals are all that good too..