Investigations into deaths: Anesthesiologist in focus of public prosecutor's office

Investigations into deaths: Anesthesiologist in focus of public prosecutor's office

The sudden deaths of two patients at the Kirchdorf Clinic have led to intensive investigations. The public prosecutor's office is investigating an anesthesiologist for grossly negligent homicide. This was announced on Monday. The two men are said to have died due to incorrect dosage of medication. A toxicological report should now provide further information about the causes of death. The first results are not expected to be available until January, while the investigation is still in its early stages, the authority confirmed. The accused doctor has not yet been questioned and remains at large for the time being; However, he was relieved of his position and enjoys the presumption of innocence, they reported Today.at.

Confidentiality in the medical field

Doctors' confidentiality is a central issue, especially when it comes to information about deceased patients. According to that Medical Journal The family of a deceased person cannot easily obtain information about the treatment relationship because this information is subject to medical confidentiality. This obligation remains even after the patient's death, which means that doctors are not allowed to provide any information about diagnoses or treatments even after the patient's death unless they can rely on the deceased's presumed wishes. This ensures that personal information remains protected during medical treatment.

However, in the event of medical treatment errors or claims for damages, the heirs are entitled to inspect the treatment documents. The patient's wishes must always be taken into account, which presents doctors with difficult decisions. According to the current legal situation, in cases of doubt, doctors must independently consider whether disclosing information corresponds to the patient's presumed wishes or not. This topic has acquired additional relevance in the current debate about the incidents at the Kirchdorf Clinic, as treatment errors and the question of deception of relatives could possibly come into play here.