The family of Nigerian novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has accused a hospital of negligence over the death of her 21-month-old son. Nkanu Nnamdi died at a hospital in Nigeria on Wednesday following a short illness, leaving the family of the acclaimed postcolonial feminist writer 'devastated'.
Now, the family allege there was a litany of failures at Euracare Hospital in Lagos that led to the toddler's death, including being denied oxygen and being given too much sedation, causing a heart attack. The hospital expressed its 'deepest sympathies' over the loss of the child but denied improper care, which it said had been in line with international standards.
It added that Nkanu had arrived at the hospital 'critically ill' and that an investigation into the death was now under way. Adichie's sister-in-law, Dr Anthea Nwandu, spoke to Nigerian broadcaster Arise TV, alleging that the medical director of Euracare told Adichie that her son 'had received too much sedation', which subsequently caused him to have a heart attack. Dr Nwandu also accused medical staff of leaving the child unattended, denying him oxygen, and transporting him in a manner that was 'not according to standard practice'.
She alleged Nkanu suffered a brain injury due to lack of oxygen. Allegations concerning Nkanu's care were also made in a private message from Adichie that was leaked online. Her spokeswoman, Omawumi Ogbe, stated that the message shared within a 'close circle of family and friends' was 'not for public consumption,' and expressed sadness over its leakage.
'While we are saddened that such a deeply personal account of grief and trauma was leaked, the details therein highlight the devastating clinical failures the family is now forced to confront', Ogbe stated.
Nkanu was one of twin boys born to Adichie and her husband, Dr Ivara Esege. The hospital responded to the allegations, acknowledging the 'profound and unimaginable loss' faced by the family but asserting that reports being circulated contain inaccuracies. They stated that Nkanu had been referred to the hospital after receiving treatment from two pediatric centers and that staff had provided care in line with established clinical protocols.
Despite these efforts, Nkanu passed away less than 24 hours after arriving at the hospital. The Lagos State Ministry of Health has confirmed that a 'thorough, independent, and transparent' investigation is underway, promising accountability for any negligence or misconduct found. Adichie, 48, is known for her influential works and is facing significant public support and sympathy during this challenging time, including condolences from Nigeria's president.
Now, the family allege there was a litany of failures at Euracare Hospital in Lagos that led to the toddler's death, including being denied oxygen and being given too much sedation, causing a heart attack. The hospital expressed its 'deepest sympathies' over the loss of the child but denied improper care, which it said had been in line with international standards.
It added that Nkanu had arrived at the hospital 'critically ill' and that an investigation into the death was now under way. Adichie's sister-in-law, Dr Anthea Nwandu, spoke to Nigerian broadcaster Arise TV, alleging that the medical director of Euracare told Adichie that her son 'had received too much sedation', which subsequently caused him to have a heart attack. Dr Nwandu also accused medical staff of leaving the child unattended, denying him oxygen, and transporting him in a manner that was 'not according to standard practice'.
She alleged Nkanu suffered a brain injury due to lack of oxygen. Allegations concerning Nkanu's care were also made in a private message from Adichie that was leaked online. Her spokeswoman, Omawumi Ogbe, stated that the message shared within a 'close circle of family and friends' was 'not for public consumption,' and expressed sadness over its leakage.
'While we are saddened that such a deeply personal account of grief and trauma was leaked, the details therein highlight the devastating clinical failures the family is now forced to confront', Ogbe stated.
Nkanu was one of twin boys born to Adichie and her husband, Dr Ivara Esege. The hospital responded to the allegations, acknowledging the 'profound and unimaginable loss' faced by the family but asserting that reports being circulated contain inaccuracies. They stated that Nkanu had been referred to the hospital after receiving treatment from two pediatric centers and that staff had provided care in line with established clinical protocols.
Despite these efforts, Nkanu passed away less than 24 hours after arriving at the hospital. The Lagos State Ministry of Health has confirmed that a 'thorough, independent, and transparent' investigation is underway, promising accountability for any negligence or misconduct found. Adichie, 48, is known for her influential works and is facing significant public support and sympathy during this challenging time, including condolences from Nigeria's president.
