Kids Hospital Fires 15 Nurses After 12-Year-Old’s Suicide
Tragic Death of 12-Year-Old Sparks Staff Changes at Spokane Hospital
A young girl’s suicide at a children’s hospital in Spokane has led to the firing of 15 nurses and disciplinary actions against another staff member. The patient, Sarah Niyimbona, had been struggling with mental health issues, including multiple emergency room visits in 2024 for suicidal attempts, before her death in April.
Sarah, described as an empathetic and outspoken middle schooler, was able to leave her hospital room unnoticed and jump from the fourth floor of a parking garage. Reports indicate that key safety measures—such as continuous supervision, video monitoring, and door alarms—were not in place during the incident, despite her history of self-harm.
Family members have expressed anger and confusion over her death, criticizing the hospital’s failure to oversee her adequately. Her mother questioned how she managed to leave her room unobserved, stating, “I trusted this hospital to take care of my daughter.”
The hospital has stated that a review revealed staff improperly accessed Sarah’s medical records without proper authorization. The Washington State Nurses Association suggests the dismissals may be retaliatory, as many of the nurses had spoken publicly about the incident. The union has filed a grievance, though resolution may take time.
In response, a hospital spokesperson emphasized that disciplinary actions were aimed at protecting patient privacy and ensuring adherence to conduct standards. An ongoing investigation by the state Department of Health is examining the circumstances surrounding Sarah’s death.
Steps Toward Better Safety
Following the tragedy, the hospital reported implementing new protocols, including screening for suicide risk upon admission and procedures for tracking missing patients.
Sarah was remembered as a bright, compassionate girl whose presence touched many lives. Her family continues to seek answers as they mourn her loss and advocate for improved safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.