In prison a doctor who, because he was drunk, caused the death of a woman during childbirth – Europe – International

A 51-year-old Belgian anesthetist, accused of participating in a Caesarean section while intoxicated, after which the patient died, was sentenced this Thursday to three years in prison in France and will no longer be able to practice.

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In September 2014 in Orthez (southwest), Helga Wauters performed an epidural on Xyntia Hawke, a 28-year-old British woman, but There were complications during delivery that required an emergency cesarean section.

According to the researchers, the doctor intubated the digestive tract instead of the respiratory tract, without realizing it. “It was carnage,” according to the prosecutor.

Hawke died from lack of oxygen, but her baby survived.

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Witnesses affirmed this the doctor worked drunk and smelled of alcohol and the police found about 10 bottles of vodka in her house.

The anesthetist admitted during the investigation that he started his day by drinking vodka with water, “like every day”.

Helga Wauters was also ordered to hand over approximately 1.4 million euros ($ 1.6 million) in compensation to the victim’s son and his family.

Other news of the day:

– Alert in Italy: hospitals are again on the verge of collapse

– Argentina legalizes the self-cultivation of cannabis for medicinal use

AFP