Rigshospitalet staff raise alarms over patient safety and surgeon departures

Staff at Rigshospitalet's Department of Transplantation and Digestive Diseases have issued urgent warnings regarding patient safety following the departure of several specialists. A group of 27 operating room nurses has submitted a letter to hospital management expressing deep concern that the loss of surgical expertise and experience could negatively impact operations, particularly in highly specialized procedures such as liver transplants.

The situation follows the departure or dismissal of several surgeons who had previously voiced concerns about the working environment and patient safety. Three senior physicians (overlæger) who co-signed a letter of concern have now entered into resignation agreements.

The Danish Medical Association (Overlægeforeningen) has intervened, stating that the case raises fundamental questions regarding doctors' freedom of speech. The association emphasized that medical professionals must be able to raise professional concerns and highlight risks to patient safety without fear of being perceived as disloyal or facing professional repercussions.