Scandal at Vienna General Hospital: Senior physician criticized for fatal opioid dose!

Scandal at Vienna General Hospital: Senior physician criticized for fatal opioid dose!

A tragic incident occurred at the Vienna General Hospital (AKH): an 88-year-old cancer patient died of a suspected opioid-related incident. According to information from kosmo.at On November 13th last year, the patient received a six-fold overdose of the painkiller “Vendal”, although she did not express any pain. The woman, who also suffered from breathing problems and impaired kidney function, was initially classified as critical. Administering the opioid turned out to be particularly risky because overdoses can severely impair breathing.

Hospital staff had already expressed concerns and prohibited the senior physician in charge from administering the medication, but he continued the infusion against the ban. According to reports, he even said: “You are welcome to take photos of me.” These difficult decisions ultimately led to her death that same evening. The Vienna public prosecutor's office has started an investigation against the senior doctor on suspicion of grossly negligent homicide. In addition to the criminal consequences, the Medical University of Vienna immediately withdrew the senior physician from patient care. He is now only active in research, teaching and administration, like wien.ORF.at reported back.