Bilbao Hospital Reprimands Doctor for Compassionate Care

Bilbao Hospital Reprimands Pediatrician for Visiting Terminally Ill Child Outside of Work Hours A controversy has erupted at a Bilbao hospital in Spain after a pediatrician was reprimanded for visiting a terminally ill four-year-old girl outside of his scheduled work hours. The incident, which occurred at the Cruces Hospital in Bilbao, has sparked debate about the responsibilities of healthcare professionals and the limits of hospital liability. The pediatrician, Jesús Sánchez Etxaniz, a highly respected figure in the field of pediatric palliative home care in the Basque region, has expressed his anger and disappointment at the reprimand. "I feel angry, furious, and deceived," he stated. Hospital administrators justified the action by saying that the medical staff involved were acting outside of their official duties and that the hospital could not be held responsible for any potential problems that might arise from such actions. The hospital's response emphasizes the strict adherence to work regulations and the potential legal ramifications of exceeding these limits. However, this decision has been met with criticism, particularly considering the compassionate nature of the pediatrician's actions and the critical condition of the child. Two nurses and a psychologist who also visited the child outside of working hours received similar reprimands. Following the child's death, the hospital's actions have come under intense scrutiny. The incident has raised questions about the balance between upholding hospital regulations and providing compassionate care to patients and their families. The lack of adequate support for healthcare professionals dealing with emotionally challenging situations has also been highlighted as a contributing factor to this unfortunate event.