Negligence Alleged as Senior Doctors at Alexandra Medical Hospital Failed to Follow Pre-Surgery Protocols Before Operating on Late Hon. Helen Nakimuli
A damning new report has revealed that senior doctors at Alexandra Medical Hospital, owned by Dr. Kisuule Castro, allegedly neglected a series of critical pre-operative preparation steps in the days and weeks leading up to the surgery that claimed the life of the late Hon. Helen Nakimuli.
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Sources close to the internal review indicate that the surgical team failed to carry out fundamental assessments and precautions, raising serious questions about the standard of care at the facility.
Missed Steps That Could Have Saved a Life
According to medical protocols obtained by this publication, patients scheduled for major surgery require a structured pre-operative regimen. In the case of Hon. Nakimuli, hospital insiders say none of the following key steps were properly completed:
· Pre-operative assessment: A specialist team did not fully review her general health, medical history, or medication list. Critical tests such as blood work, ECG, or chest X‑rays were reportedly not conducted.
· Medication management: Doctors failed to discuss all medications, vitamins, or supplements with the patient. Blood thinners (e.g., aspirin), diabetes drugs, and herbal supplements—which often need to be stopped days before surgery—were not addressed.
· Lifestyle adjustments: There was no documented advice to quit smoking or reduce alcohol intake in the four weeks prior to surgery, steps known to lower breathing complications and infection risks.
· Prehabilitation (“Pre‑hab”): No light daily exercise regimen or protein‑rich diet plan was prescribed to improve the patient’s strength and recovery prospects.
· Planning support: The hospital did not arrange for a responsible adult to drive the patient home or stay with her for the first 24 hours after discharge.
· Home preparation: No guidance was given on clearing walking paths, removing rugs, or preparing meals for the recovery period.
· Fasting (NPO): Proper instructions on fasting—no solid food for 8 hours and no liquids for 2 hours before surgery—were reportedly not communicated.
· Hygiene: The patient was not advised to shower with antiseptic soap (e.g., chlorhexidine) the night before or morning of the operation to reduce infection risk.
· Skin and grooming: No warning was issued against applying lotions, perfumes, makeup, or deodorant, nor were nail polish and jewelry/piercings removed as required.
· Clothing: No recommendation was given for comfortable, loose‑fitting attire on the day of surgery.
Family Demands Answers
The late Hon. Helen Nakimuli, a respected legislator, passed away shortly after the procedure. Family members, speaking through their lawyer, said they were never informed of these preparatory requirements.
“We trusted the doctors at Alexandra Medical Hospital. Now we learn that basic, life‑saving protocols were ignored,” a close relative said. “This is not just a mistake—it is negligence.”
Hospital Response
When contacted, a spokesperson for Alexandra Medical Hospital declined to comment on the specific allegations, citing an ongoing internal investigation. However, the spokesperson stated that Dr. Kisuule Castro, the hospital owner, has ordered a full audit of all surgical protocols.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Hon. Nakimuli. If any lapses are found, appropriate action will be taken,” the spokesperson said.
Medical ethics experts note that omitting these pre‑operative steps can dramatically increase risks of infection, anesthetic complications, and poor surgical outcomes.
Call for Regulatory Action
The Uganda Medical Association has called for an expedited inquiry. “These steps are not optional—they are the standard of care,” said a senior official. “We urge the hospital to cooperate fully and for regulators to review whether disciplinary action is warranted.”
Hon. Nakimuli’s funeral is scheduled for later this week. Meanwhile, patients who had booked surgeries at Alexandra Medical Hospital have begun canceling appointments, demanding reassurance that safety protocols are now being followed.
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