Kunle Adelabu
The management of the General Hospital, Ikorodu, on Tuesday, denied any wrongdoing in its handling of Mrs. Hannah Adejoke Adeko who was a patient in the hospital, stating that she consented to every procedure performed and remained actively involved in her care decisions.
While maintaining that the hospital adhered strictly to the ethical medical practice, the hospital management said that at no time was any procedure carried out without the patient’s knowledge, consent, or participation.
The management added that the patient’s family’s narrative, as circulated, does not reflect the true clinical facts and misrepresents the hospital’s role and actions.
The patient’s husband, Sam Aluko who was a former photojournalist, had, in a national newspaper, accused the hospital of gross medical negligence and inhumane treatment of his wife, Adejoke.
He alleged that a doctor at the hospital amputated his wife’s toe without consultation or consent from him, the children, or any member of the family.
The statement by the management of the General Hospital, Ikorodu, denying any wrongdoing, is reproduced below:
RE: MAN ACCUSES LAGOS HOSPITAL OF CUTTING WIFE’S TOE – SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT
The Management of General Hospital, Ikorodu, is aware of the publication by The Punch Newspaper dated Sunday, May 11, 2025, titled: ‘Man Accuses Lagos Hospital of Cutting Wife’s Toe’. We consider it necessary to provide the general public with the basic facts surrounding the case, while maintaining our commitment to medical confidentiality and patient privacy.
As a multi-specialty secondary healthcare facility under the Lagos State Ministry of Health, General Hospital, Ikorodu, is fully committed to delivering quality, ethical, and patient-centered care in alignment with our institutional mandate of ‘Taking Healthcare Services to Its Zenith’. At the heart of our care delivery is a strong respect for patient autonomy, informed consent, and international best practices.
FOR CLARITY AND RECORD, WE STATE THE FOLLOWING:
a. Mrs. Hannah Adejoke Adeko (Female, 62 years) was registered and admitted into our hospital on April 15, 2025, with an injury to her left foot, complicated by underlying chronic medical conditions and unsupervised pre-admission home care.
b. Upon admission, she promptly received comprehensive medical evaluation and treatment by a multi-disciplinary team. The nature, severity, and treatment options were clearly communicated to her, while she was fully conscious, oriented, and mentally competent.
c. From the second day of admission, the patient’s relatives failed to provide prescribed medications and approve needed investigations, despite multiple efforts by hospital staff to engage them. The patient herself only disclosed possible financial constraints after over a week of admission.
d. Due to the progressive nature of her condition, and in line with our emergency care protocols, a procedure was performed to prevent further complications. This was carried out with verbal and written consent from the patient. No procedure was done without her explicit approval.
e. Contrary to claims, the patient’s relatives were never denied access. However, on several critical occasions, no family member was present when medical teams needed to confer or provide updates.
f. Mrs. Adeko is a fully autonomous adult with full mental capacity. At no time was her decision-making ability compromised. She retained the right to choose or refuse treatment throughout her stay.
g. All treatment options, potential risks, and consequences of non-treatment were explained in clear terms. She consented to every procedure performed and remained actively involved in her care decisions.
h. Whenever present, family members were engaged and included in care discussions in line with our patient- and family-centered care philosophy.
i. Our hospital maintains a robust feedback and grievance resolution system, with timely response protocols. The allegation by Mr. Sam Adeko regarding ignored complaints is false, and we are prepared to present documented evidence to the appropriate authorities.
j. On May 7, 2025, a definitive surgical intervention was proposed to the patient to address her worsening condition. She voluntarily declined.
k. The patient discharged herself against medical advice (DAMA) on May 7, 2025, in line with established medical protocols.
We reiterate that at no time was any procedure carried out without the patient’s knowledge, consent, or participation. Her family’s narrative, as circulated, does not reflect the true clinical facts and misrepresents the hospital’s role and actions.
General Hospital, Ikorodu, remains fully committed to ethical medical practice, the protection of patient rights, and the delivery of high-quality care. If required by appropriate regulatory authorities, we are prepared to present all relevant documentation and evidence in the interest of transparency and accountability.
The Management of General Hospital, Ikorodu, assures the general public of our unwavering dedication to excellence in healthcare delivery. Despite misinformation or provocations, we remain guided by professionalism, patient safety, and confidentiality as we uphold our vision of ‘Taking Healthcare Services to Its Zenith’.
