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HOSPITAL FOR SICK CHILDREN

 

Attention News Editors:

Sick Kids and nurses report to College of Nurses of Ontario

    

    TORONTO, March 6 /CNW/ - Two registered nurses involved in the care of

Lisa Shore, a child who died at The Hospital for Sick Children, Ruth Doerkson,

RN, and Anagaile Soriano, RN, self-reported to the College of Nurses of

Ontario on Friday, March 3, 2000. The Hospital for Sick Children also formally

reported the two nurses to the College and asked for a review of the nursing

care provided. Two nursing leaders, Chief of Nursing Dr. Jean Reeder and Nurse

Educator Mary Douglas, self-reported to the College on Friday as well.

    Michael Strofolino, President and CEO, said, "In order to fulfill our

mandate to the public, The Hospital for Sick Children believes that it must be

able to assure all families that the standards of nursing care at HSC meet the

highest expectations. We believe it is essential that we turn to the body

which is responsible for the standards of the nursing profession, and request

that they review the actions of the nurses involved in this case."

    Dr. Reeder explained her decision to self-report, "My leadership and

ethical conduct has been questioned publicly. As a registered nurse in a

leadership role, I welcome the opportunity to be reviewed by my regulatory

body and independent experts."

    The College of Nurses of Ontario is the governing body for nursing in the

province. It sets requirements to enter the profession, establishes and

enforces standards of nursing practice, and promotes the quality of practice

of the profession and the continuing competence of nurses.

    Mr. Strofolino added, "We apologize again to the Shore family for the

pain we have caused them. They can be sure that the College will review the

nursing issues in detail."

    Based on evidence collected, the issue may go to the College's Discipline

Committee which may decide whether to dismiss the case or to find that a

member has committed professional misconduct or is incompetent.




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For further information: contact Helen Simeon at (416) 813-6380 or Cyndy 
DeGiusti at (416) 813-6378