Police have launched an investigation after a 67-year-old man was seriously scalded while being bathed at Leslie Groves Hospital in Dunedin.
Two employees of the hospital's psycho-geriatric ward were dismissed after an internal investigation into the incident.
George Scurr, formerly of Gore, suffered burns to his legs, feet and buttocks after being lowered into a bath on August 19.
He was reported last night to be progressing favourably in Dunedin Hospital.
Constable Stan Leishman said police were investigating the matter as it was viewed as a serious incident because of the extent of the burns, and Mr Scurr's age. The burns affected about 20 per cent of his body, he said.
Constable Leishman would not comment on whether charges were being considered.
Leslie Groves Hospital's principal nurse manager, John Boleyn, confirmed that a male and female caregiver had been fired over the incident.
Mr Boleyn said the caregivers - who were not registered nurses - had run a bath, not checked the water temperature, and then lowered Mr Scurr in using an electrical hoist.
They had compounded their error by not reporting his burns immediately.
"We became aware of it when it was pointed out this man's legs were very red," Mr Boleyn said.
Mr Scurr was seen by a GP who at first treated him for an existing skin condition based on information the caregivers supplied when questioned.
Mr Scurr finally received treatment for the burns several hours later in Dunedin Hospital.
"It was a human error, but they covered themselves by not reporting it and saying what the problem really was," Mr Boleyn said.
"It was an unacceptable mistake that should never have eventuated.
"We feel dreadful for the man. This was totally unacceptable."
After investigating the matter the hospital had no hesitation in terminating the caregivers' employment, he said.
Mr Boleyn had been in touch with the Nurses Organisation and the Employers Federation over the issue.
"We have apologised profusely to the family.
"This is a dreadful scenario that you dread and unfortunately it's happened to someone in our care," he said.
Leslie Groves Society chairwoman Elisabeth Cunningham said the society regretted the injury to Mr Scurr. The society owns and runs the hospital.
- NZPA
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