Elderly patient died after leaving Vakka-Suomi hospital ward unnoticed

An elderly patient at Vakka-Suomi hospital died in February after leaving the ward undetected, according to an internal investigation report obtained by Yle through a public records request.

The report, compiled by the wellbeing services county of Vakka-Suomi (Varha), confirms the patient exited the building independently and was not found in time. Key details remain redacted due to privacy protections, but the document reveals staff shortages and security gaps contributed to the incident.

At the time of the patient’s disappearance, the 28-bed ward housed 23 patients, with three more admitted overnight. Four patients required isolation, one needing interpreter assistance—all demanding significant staff attention. Only three nurses were on duty, consistent with standard night-shift staffing.

The ward’s main door, though locked from the outside, could be opened from within by turning the handle. Elevators operated 24/7, and staff had no direct line of sight to the exit from their station. The report notes security responsibilities currently fall disproportionately on medical personnel rather than dedicated staff.

Investigators recommend relocating security personnel closer to the exit, a measure planned for inclusion in upcoming hospital renovations.

Police launched a negligent homicide and abandonment investigation in February but have not provided updates. Yle was unable to reach the lead investigator for comment.