UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA TEACHING HOSPITAL (UNTH), ITUKU-OZALLA, ENUGU
OFFICIAL STATEMENT ON THE ALLEGATION OF NEGLIGENCE LEADING TO THE DEATH OF MRS. CHARITY UNACHUKWU

The Management of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, has noted with deep concern a viral social media post by Mrs. Phina Unachukwu Ezeagwu, alleging negligence and unprofessional conduct by hospital staff in the management of her late sister, Mrs. Charity Unachukwu, who sadly passed away in our facility on 20th September 2025.

First and foremost, the Management of UNTH extends its heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the late Mrs. Charity Unachukwu. Every loss of life is deeply regrettable, and we share in the grief of all those affected.

1. Background

Immediately after learning of the allegations, the Hospital Management constituted a high-level Special Panel of Inquiry on October 2, 2025, to establish the facts, review the circumstances surrounding the patient’s management, and make recommendations to prevent a recurrence.

The independent panel, chaired by Venerable Emeritus Professor Ernest Onwasigwe, comprised senior consultants, administrative representatives, and members of relevant professional groups.

The panel’s terms of reference included verifying the claims made, reviewing staff and witness testimonies, examining relevant hospital records, and recommending measures to strengthen quality, communication, and accountability in emergency response.

2. Investigative Findings

After reviewing staff statements, eyewitness accounts, CCTV footage, and departmental records, the panel found the following:

• The patient, Mrs Charity Unachukwu, arrived at the Emergency Unit after visiting several other hospitals.
• The Emergency Unit was significantly overcrowded at the time due to multiple critical cases, creating temporary shortages of beds and trolleys.
• With the cooperation of the patient’s relatives and staff, a bed was eventually secured from another ward, and she was admitted.
• The emergency team initiated care, ordered investigations, and engaged several specialist teams, including Surgery, Neurosurgery, Orthopaedics, and Radiology.
• A delay in blood transfusion occurred due to infrastructure constraints, communication and logistical challenges; however, the team continued efforts to stabilisethe patient.
• The panel did not find evidence of deliberate refusal or abandonment of care by hospital staff.
• However, the Panel found some force majeure leading to inadvertent lapses in communication and coordination that are being addressed through corrective actions and staff retraining.
• The panel invited the complainant, Mrs. Phina Unachukwu, to appear before it. However, she was unable to attend in person due to ill health. She was represented by her family members—Mr. Okechukwu Unachukwu (the complainant as well as the deceased’s younger brother) and Miss Chizoba Opara (the complainant’s niece and the deceased’s daughter)—whose submissions were duly received and considered by the panel.

3. Key Conclusions

The panel concluded that:

• Most of the allegations circulating publicly were either inaccurate or unsubstantiated.
• The deceased was attended to promptly and professionally within the limits of the emergency room’s capacity at the time.
• Identified gaps in coordination and communication contributed to delays but did not constitute deliberate negligence.
• The incident underscores the need for stronger process management and clearer communication protocols across departments.

4. Management Actions

Acknowledgement of Lapses:
The hospital acknowledges the communication and coordination gaps identified during the investigation. These findings have informed immediate and long-term actions.

Administrative Measures:
Appropriate administrative steps are being considered and will be taken in accordance with public service rules and due process. Staff retraining on emergency care standards and patient communication is ongoing.

Systemic Reforms:
The Hospital departments and its emergency command structure, standardising communication channels between departments, and expanding capacity to handle surges in patient volume better.

An Emergency Executive Directive has been issued, emphasising that under no circumstances should any patient be refused care or turned away from the Emergency Department, even if it requires providing care on available benches or floor space when beds are full.

5. Reaffirmation of Commitment

The University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital remains a Centre of Excellence dedicated to saving lives with compassion, integrity, and professional competence.

We deeply regret the loss of Mrs. Charity Unachukwu and have drawn lessons that will further strengthen our service delivery and accountability mechanisms.

UNTH is preserving all relevant records and remains available to cooperate with any further regulatory or legal review.

We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to patient safety, continuous improvement, and compassionate care for every person who walks through our doors.

Prof. Obinna Onodugo
Chief Medical Director
University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu