Yesterday, two department heads sat in the dock at the District Court in Bolesławiec: otolaryngologist Zdzisław B. and neurologist Mariusz Ch. Dr Ch. was brought to yesterday’s hearing from the detention center in Wrocław, where he is being held on suspicion of accepting bribes. Yesterday, the judge questioned only his colleague – reports Słowo Polskie Gazeta Wrocławska. The judge asked about the doctor’s assessment of the 18-year-old’s condition when the otolaryngologist first saw him in the Intensive Care Unit. “He was breathing with the help of supporting equipment,” said Dr Zdzisław B.
According to the doctors, the young man required a neurological consultation, so neurologist Mariusz Ch. was called for assistance. The patient was discharged from the hospital and died at home the following day.
The 18-year-old’s death one day after his discharge from hospital seemed suspicious to the prosecution. An autopsy was ordered. Its results indicated that medical malpractice might have occurred. An opinion from the Medical Academy in Wrocław stated that the doctors should be charged. The panel of experts authorized to issue opinions in similar cases did not appear at yesterday’s hearing. The judge ordered a recess until November 16.