Incheon Won Hospital director sued over patient deaths and illegal confinement

The National Human Rights Commission of Korea has filed complaints against the director of Incheon Won Hospital in Michuhol-gu, Incheon, for professional negligence resulting in death, confinement, and directing unlicensed medical practices. The investigation follows the deaths of four patients between January and June of this year.

Findings revealed that patients, including individuals with dementia, intellectual disabilities, and schizophrenia, were subjected to prolonged isolation and physical restraint. In one instance, a patient with an intellectual disability was confined in a locked room for 325 days before dying of asphyxiation. Another patient with autism was held for 200 days.

The commission noted that during nighttime hours from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM, the hospital operated without medical staff, leaving nursing assistants and caregivers to perform isolation and restraint procedures, which constitutes unlicensed medical practice. Additionally, the hospital allegedly falsified records regarding staff presence and failed to provide adequate nutrition or communication rights.

The commission has recommended that the local health center impose administrative sanctions, such as business suspension or revocation of the hospital's license, and has urged the Ministry of Health and Welfare to improve practices regarding isolation and restraint in mental health facilities.