By Adegbenro Barakat Opeyemi(SIWES Student, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic)
The Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) refuted claims of negligence in the care provided to Mr. Olaleye Adenibuyan, who tragically passed away while under treatment at the hospital following a severe fall.
LUTH stated that Mr. Adenibuyan received diligent care from a multidisciplinary team of experts upon his arrival at the facility. Despite the unfortunate outcome, LUTH’s management extended their condolences to the family of the deceased.
According to LUTH’s management, Mr. Adenibuyan was brought to the hospital unconscious on January 15, 2024, and was promptly attended to at the Emergency Department.
He was stabilized by a team of neurologists and neurosurgeons before being transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU).
In the ICU, a comprehensive medical care plan, including therapeutic and investigative procedures, was developed for Mr. Adenibuyan.
The plan, which involved blood transfusion, CT scan, and cranial fixation, was discussed with and consented to by the patient’s relatives.
Dr. Ayodeji Oluwole, the Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, emphasized that throughout Mr. Adenibuyan’s hospitalization, the treatment team maintained constant communication with his immediate family, keeping them informed of his condition and involving them in medical decision-making.
Regarding equipment failure, Dr. Oluwole clarified that in such instances, LUTH’s policy is to transfer the patient to a sister institution where necessary procedures can be performed.
Despite the temporary disability of the CT scan equipment at LUTH during Mr. Adenibuyan’s admission, the hospital followed protocols and notified his family accordingly.
Despite efforts to provide comprehensive care, Dr. Oluwole explained that the family declined the transfer to other hospitals where a CT scan could be performed.
Additionally, he noted that certain procedures, such as the use of intracranial pressure (ICP) monitors, require consumables which are provided at the patient’s expense.
The decision to use the ICP monitor was made by the neurosurgeons after careful consideration of its potential benefits and risks. Dr. Oluwole reiterated that despite the challenges faced, Mr. Adenibuyan received prompt, appropriate, and expert treatment from senior medical personnel at LUTH.
