Official Apology Video Posted on Hospital's YouTube Channel
Investigation Also Looks Into Allegations of Similar Behavior by Other Nurses
The police conducted a seizure and search of the home and mobile phone of a university hospital nurse who sparked a child abuse controversy by posting photos of newborns and inappropriate remarks on social networking services (SNS).
On the 7th, according to a summary of reports from the Daegu Metropolitan Police Agency and the media, the police conducted a seizure and search of Nurse A's home and mobile phone at Daegu Catholic University Hospital's newborn ward on the 4th, following a child abuse accusation. They are expected to investigate whether there are additional child abuse allegations and whether other nurses who worked with Nurse A engaged in similar behavior.
Nurse A is known to have posted several times on SNS criticizing the child or complaining about work, including a post with a photo of a hospitalized newborn accompanied by the phrase "I want to cause a fall."
In response to the controversy, Daegu Catholic University Hospital immediately began verifying the facts and issued a statement on the 3rd. The hospital acknowledged its fault and promised a "public apology" including to the parents of the affected infant.
On the 6th, through the hospital's official YouTube channel, Kim Yoon-young, director of Daegu Catholic University Hospital, stated, "I deeply apologize for causing concern to many due to the inappropriate actions of a nurse in the hospital's neonatal intensive care unit," adding, "I sincerely apologize especially to the parents who entrusted us with their precious children, causing them great shock and pain."
He continued, "It has been confirmed that the nurse in the neonatal intensive care unit posted photos of newborns along with inappropriate remarks on her social networking service (SNS). All hospital staff deeply feel responsible," and said, "Such behavior cannot be justified for any reason."
The hospital immediately removed the nurse from duty and decided on severe disciplinary action. Additionally, to prevent recurrence, they pledged thorough education for all staff and a review of hospital systems to ensure prevention measures are fully implemented.
Meanwhile, a police official explained, "The hospital is actively cooperating with the investigation, so the seizure and search were conducted only on the individual."
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