Care worker accused of removing oxygen monitoring from bed-bound patients
Charges against 53-year-old: in a care home near Frankfurt, she allegedly deactivated alarm devices for three unconscious patients to work undisturbed.
Care worker accused of removing oxygen monitoring from bed-bound patients
In the Main-Taunus district, a 53-year-old care worker must answer to the court. She is accused of deliberately interrupting medical monitoring for three patients in a facility for people requiring intensive care.
The woman is alleged to have removed pulse oximeters during her night shifts in February 2025. These devices continuously measure blood oxygen levels and heart rate. Without this monitoring, patients in a state of minimal consciousness face acute danger to life.
The prosecutor's office in Frankfurt am Main believes that the accused understood the consequences of her actions. She is alleged to have accepted the death of the victims in each individual case in order not to be disturbed by beeping sounds or flashing lights.
One of those affected had to be taken to a hospital afterwards. The others were in a threatening health condition.
Since January 2025, the accused has been in custody. The Frankfurt Regional Court will shortly decide whether the matter will be heard before a criminal chamber.
Source: Der Spiegel