Patient falls from bed inside SCB Medical ICU in Cuttack, probe launched after video goes viral

A video purportedly showing a woman patient falling from her bed inside the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of SCB Medical College and Hospital (SCBMCH) in Odisha's Cuttack sparked concern, prompting the hospital authorities to initiate an inquiry into the incident. 

The footage, which went viral on social media, shows the side railing of the bed giving way, following which the patient falls onto the floor while undergoing treatment inside the ICU.

Incident Raises Questions On ICU Monitoring

The incident raised serious questions over patient safety and monitoring inside the ICU, especially as attendants are not permitted to remain with patients in the critical care unit. 

Family members and others have questioned how the patient was left unattended at such a crucial moment and how the incident occurred without immediate intervention from medical staff.

According to the visuals, the woman, believed to be an elderly patient, appeared to be stuck momentarily against the side handle of the bed before falling to the floor. 

It is being suspected that the video was recorded inside the first-floor ICU of the Medicine Department of SCBMCH, although official confirmation on the exact location was awaited at the time of reporting.

Concerns Over Video Recording Inside ICU

The emergence of the video also triggered debate over how the recording was made, given that attendants are reportedly not allowed to carry mobile phones inside the ICU. 

Sources said that had the attendant attempted to assist the patient, their phone could have been seized and action taken against them. However, the circulation of the video brought the issue into public and governmental focus.

It was also alleged that nurses and other medical staff routinely carry mobile phones inside hospital premises and use social media during duty hours.

Allegations Of Staff Negligence Surface

A social worker present at the hospital alleged lapses in discipline and accountability. “The negligence of hospital staff has increased in recent days. In another recently circulated video, hospital staff were seen playing Holi inside the ICU. The authorities do not take strict action against such doctors and other staff, which leads to repeated incidents. Strict action is necessary to set an example so that such incidents do not recur,” the social worker said.

Also Read: Shocker at Cuttack SCB Hospital: Portion of ceiling falls on elderly patient in medicine ward

Hospital Authorities Order Inquiry

SCBMCH authorities stated that the matter is under investigation. However, at the time of reporting, no further details or official findings were shared regarding the incident or the condition of the patient.