More than a dozen nurses have been dismissed and another disciplined at a Washington state children’s hospital n the USA following the death of a 12-year-old patient who took her own life.
Sarah Niyimbona died on April 13 after leaving her room at Providence Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital in Spokane and jumping from the fourth floor of a parking garage. She had been admitted to the emergency room multiple times in 2024 for suicide attempts.
According to a lawsuit filed by her family, the hospital removed key safety measures, including a round-the-clock sitter, a video monitor, and a door alarm — despite her history of self-harm, and failed to supervise her adequately on the night of her death.
“I ask what happened. How come she left the room without anybody seeing her? How come she walked all the way to the elevator without anybody seeing her?” her mother, Nasra Gertrude, said. “They haven’t given me any answer at all. I trusted this hospital to take care of my daughter.”
Fifteen nurses were terminated and another disciplined amid questions about how Niyimbona was able to leave her room undetected. Hospital officials say the nurses improperly accessed her medical records without being involved in her care, potentially violating federal privacy laws.
The Washington State Nurses Association, representing the staff, claims the firings were retaliation against those who spoke to the media after the incident. The union says the nurses have filed a grievance, which could take a long time to resolve.
A Providence spokesperson said the terminations were about protecting patient privacy and that the hospital takes “appropriate action” when warranted.
The state Department of Health is still investigating the circumstances surrounding Niyimbona’s death. Providence says it has since implemented new protocols, including suicide risk screening for all patients and procedures to locate missing patients.
Niyimbona was remembered as a “shining light” who “touched the hearts of everyone she met.” Her sister, Asha Joseph, said, “We’re confused how this could happen. We want to know why there wasn’t anyone watching her and how she was able to leave.”
