Latvia probes complaint over syringe reuse for infant medication

The Health Inspectorate is launching an investigation into a serious complaint regarding the alleged reuse of a single-use syringe for infant medication at Jēkabpils Regional Hospital. The incident came to light after the child's mother, Laima, reported finding white residue and particles in a syringe used to administer "Ventolin" to her less-than-a-year-old baby.

According to the mother's account to "De facto," a nurse admitted that syringes were disinfected and reused for medication. After her insistence, she was given a new syringe and medication. A senior technical supervision inspector from the Health Inspectorate's Medical Device Supervision Department stressed that single-use syringes are strictly for one-time use and not intended for sterilization or any form of reprocessing.

While the mother informed several hospital staff, including a pediatrician and an emergency room doctor, the pediatrician cited patient data protection for not commenting, and the doctor did not recall the specifics. The Health Inspectorate confirmed it will evaluate the situation, which may involve reviewing medical documentation and conducting unannounced visits. However, the hospital's board chairman stated that no internal investigation has occurred because the hospital has not received an official complaint from the patient. They will await the inspectorate's request for information.

A lawyer and patient rights expert commented that patient safety incidents in Latvia are often inadequately investigated, making it difficult for patients to have their complaints fully addressed. She noted that the photograph taken by the mother could be significant in this case.

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single-use syringes are not intended for sterilization, disinfection, or other processing and must be used only once.