PUBLISHED ONSeptember 14, 2026 8:45 AMBYLaili AbdeenA hospital in Thailand has apologised after one of its nurses accidentally cut off a one-year-old boy's index finger with a pair of scissors on Friday (Sept 11).
The toddler was admitted to Loengnoktha Crown Prince Hospital in the northeastern Thai province of Yasothon on Sept 2 for respiratory and gastrointestinal infections and was treated until his condition improved.
A male assistant nurse was removing a gauze wrapping holding his intravenous (IV) tube in place when he accidentally cut off the boy's right index finger, The Bangkok Post reported.
The toddler's mother, Wipaporn, said the nurse used a pair of paper scissors, rather than medical equipment, to cut the adhesive tape, reported local media outlet Thai PBS World.
She claimed the assistant nurse repeatedly tried to cut the tape and accidentally severed the boy's fingertip, which came off with the tape and gauze.
The hospital posted a statement on its Facebook page on Sept 12, clarifying that the boy sustained the injury on the day he was assessed for discharge and immediately received first aid and care from specialists in pediatrics, general surgery, and orthopedics after the incident.
The severed finger was reportedly placed in an ice box and transported with the patient to Sunpasitthiprasong Hospital for reattachment, resulting in a procedure that required two operations.
The Yasothon Provincial Public Health Office said in a statement on Sept 12 that the boy underwent reattachment surgery on Sept 11, and that Sunpasitthiprasong Hospital's medical and nursing teams have been closely monitoring his condition post-surgery.
Both the public health office and Loengnoktha Crown Prince Hospital expressed their regret over the incident, adding that they were "fully aware and deeply concerned" by the distress and anxiety caused to the toddler and his family.
The institutions assured that they would continue to assist the boy during and after his hospitalisation, including fully and fairly covering his medical treatment, travel and rehabilitation expenses.
The hospital also sent representatives to visit the patient after his surgery to offer initial assistance, care and moral support.
The public health office added that a patient's safety remains their top priority and the hospital has comprehensively reviewed its patient care procedures to implement measures and improvements to prevent such incidents from recurring.
Surgeons have yet to conclude whether the toddler's surgery was successful, but the assistant nurse responsible for the injury has been suspended while investigations are ongoing.
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