Daejeon Catholic University Hospital Neonatal Unit Nurse 'Abuse Suspicion' Controversy

As the case of infant abuse by a nurse in the neonatal unit of Daejeon Catholic University Hospital has sparked controversy, allegations have emerged that other nurses also abused infants.

The father of the victimized newborn, Mr. A (37), reported in a phone conversation with Newsis on the 3rd, "I received information that a total of four nurses have abused in the neonatal unit, and the identities of three of them have been confirmed." He added, "After my child's case was reported, other parents have come forward with information."

Mr. A stated, "I felt that the nurse who did such a thing to my child must have done the same to other children, and my suspicion was correct."

Victim's Father: "Not One, But Four Abusive Nurses"

The six photos clearly contained ridicule and anger toward the newborns.

Some nurses wrote disparaging comments about the infants, such as, "Hearing them scream means they can be discharged tomorrow. Why are we here… Getting irritated right after they come in," "Truly has a nasty temper," and "Since they weren’t calmed down when they were crying, they turned quiet, so I thought they were just being annoying," including images of the patients.

The hospital acknowledged the abuse after confirming the facts with the nurse involved.

Mr. A asserted, "I went to the hospital directly around 11 PM on the 2nd, and an administrative staff member said, 'I’m sorry. The abuse is indeed true.'" However, he emphasized that there has been no official apology from the hospital or measures to prevent a recurrence.

He stated, "This cannot have happened to just my child. There must be more victimized babies."

Victim's Parents File Complaint Against Involved Nurses for Child Abuse Charges

The parents of the victim filed a complaint against the relevant nurses for child abuse charges at the Southern Police Station in Daegu on the afternoon of the 2nd. The case has been forwarded to the Daegu Police Agency. According to current law, when a child under the age of 10 is a victim of abuse, the police agency will conduct the investigation directly.

Mr. A expressed, "The hospital claims it cannot prove the occurrence of abuse due to the lack of CCTV in the neonatal unit, but psychological abuse is also a valid form of child abuse. The hospital is trying to dismiss this incident as a personal deviation of the nurse, but both the head professor of the neonatal unit and the center director have admitted their mistakes. The hospital cannot absolve itself of responsibility for betraying the trust of parents."

The hospital is currently investigating the possibility of further abuse and whether to file charges while not having accepted the resignation of the nurse involved.

A hospital official stated, "The nurse has admitted to all the facts," adding, "We recognize the seriousness of the situation and are discussing follow-up measures."

Image source: Reference photos for understanding the article / gettyimagesbank