A former nurse is taking legal action against a hospital after witnessing an incident three years ago. 

Marilyn Espinola, who previously worked at Sunshine Hospital in St Albans, Australia, recounted an event on March 2, 2020, when a senior patient’s face was set aflame during a surgical procedure for a bilateral temporal arterial biopsy.

In her recollection, a surgeon had exclaimed, “fire!” as the patient’s face ignited. Espinola promptly tried to smother the fire while other staff rushed in to help, and burning cloth dropped to the floor creating a frantic situation.

Complicating the issue, the hospital’s emergency button was found to be malfunctioning, delaying Espinola’s efforts to call for immediate assistance. The patient endured severe burns, with charred, black skin on her face, and was subsequently moved to a different hospital for multiple surgeries to her face, neck, jaw and hand.

During the chaotic event, Espinola injured her ankle, an issue she claims was not promptly addressed by the hospital and reported late to WorkSafe Victoria. Post-incident, Espinola was diagnosed with PTSD and depression, which triggered panic attacks and hindered her ability to return to work.

Espinola’s legal representation is pursuing compensation for her psychological distress and loss of income. They maintain the hospital should have foreseen the risk of surgical fires during the operation and implemented necessary safety measures.

With the legal proceedings ongoing, Sunshine Hospital management opted not to comment, invoking confidentiality. Espinola aspires for a comprehensive investigation to hold the hospital liable and to avert such events in the future.