A controversy has arisen over allegations of child abuse after a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurse shared photos of infants along with offensive comments on social media. In response, the hospital issued a statement. According to Yonhap News on the 2nd, Daegu Catholic University Hospital reported that it discovered situations suggesting that a NICU nurse abused infants, which led to the parents reporting the issue to the hospital.
Upon investigation by the hospital, it was found that nurse A, who worked at the hospital, took photos of the hospitalized babies on her lap or while hugging them, and posted these photos on social media with captions like “I feel like dropping them.”
A hospital representative mentioned, “The nurse expressed her intention to resign, but regardless, we are discussing whether to take legal action and are investigating if there are more instances of abuse.”
The Korean Nurses Association (KNA) released a statement expressing regret, calling it a serious issue that undermines the trust in the entire nursing profession. They stated, “Nurses have a professional duty to protect and care for patients, especially the most vulnerable neonates,” and promised to ensure a thorough investigation and strict measures.
They added, “In cooperation with the government and medical institutions, measures will be taken to prevent recurrence, and this incident will serve as an opportunity to strengthen ethical education and patient protection awareness among nurses.”