Embu hospital on the spot after newborn burned in warmer machine

Dennis Murimi, the father of a one-day-old baby who sustained burns in a warmer machine Queens and Kings Hospital in Siakago, Embu County. [Muriithi Mugo, Standard]

A newborn baby boy has been transferred to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) for specialised treatment after sustaining burns inside a warmer machine at a private hospital in Embu county.

The incident that happened at Queens and Kings Hospital in Siakago, Mbeere North left one-day-old Samir Nyaga with severe burns on the arm, chest and head.

While the management vowed to investigate if the incubator malfunctioned or there was personnel negligence, Dennis Murimi, the father of the baby said they suspect negligence on the part of hospital staff.

“Our quality control team is investigating the matter to find out if there was personnel negligence or just a machine failure,” said hospital administrator Moses Njue.

Murimi said he found the baby burned when he went to the hospital to visit his 20-year-old wife Regina Wambura who was recuperating at the private health facility.

 “The baby was left at the machine for long period unattended leading to the burns,” he said.

While confirming that the hospital will take care of the medical expenses, Njue apologised to the family and assured that no stone will be left unturned to establish the cause of the burns.

The baby’s aunt, Rukia Wanjiru, said the hospital had accepted liability and promised to cater for all the expenses to transfer the baby to KNH.

“We are happy with the management’s decision but the incident has affected the mother emotionally, she cries whenever the baby cries,” said Rukia.

Rukia said they asked the management to take the baby to for specialised treatment because he was in pain.