6 SCB Medical College nurses transferred after ICU patient bed fall
Cuttack: Six nursing staff members posted in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of SCB Medical College and Hospital (SCBMCH) have been transferred to other wards following the circulation of a viral video showing a female patient falling from her hospital bed inside the ICU. The incident has raised concerns over patient monitoring and critical care supervision within the government hospital.
The woman, who had allegedly consumed poison, was undergoing treatment in the ICU ward of the Medicine Department when the incident occurred on Sunday night. The video clip, which surfaced on Monday, shows her writhing in pain before the side railing of her bed collapses, causing her to fall to the floor.
According to The New Indian Express, after the video came to light, hospital authorities initiated preliminary action by transferring six nursing personnel who were on ICU duty at the time. The patient’s family questioned how she was left unattended during such a critical phase and why there was no immediate response from the ICU staff.
Speaking to The New Indian Express, the family alleged, “Had the staff been present and kept a watch on the patient, such an incident would not have taken place. However, most staff are always busy on their phones browsing through social media despite being on duty.”
The matter has drawn wider attention as attendants are not permitted inside the ICU, leaving patients entirely dependent on doctors and nursing staff for continuous monitoring and emergency response. The SCB Rogi Suraksha Manch submitted a memorandum to hospital authorities seeking strict action against those responsible.
Forum convenor Suresh Mohanty told The New Indian Express that such incidents point to lapses in discipline and accountability among staff and deficiencies in hospital management. He warned of agitation if concrete action is not taken within seven days.
SCBMCH Administrative Officer Subash Chandra Ray told The New Indian Express that necessary steps would be taken against the staff who were on duty during the incident. Additional Superintendent Dr Jyotirmay Nayak confirmed that six nursing staff were transferred following a preliminary investigation.
Dr Nayak said, “This is a shocking incident. Further investigation is underway, and exemplary action will be initiated to prevent recurrence of such incidents in future.”
