Fire at Psychiatric Clinic in Varna: Ombudsman Finds Violations
Wards lack fire alarm systems, insufficient staff on duty, no one to watch tied-up man, ombudsman review finds.
The tragic fire that claimed a life at the psychiatric clinic of the UMBAL “St. Marina” in Varna revealed numerous violations of patient safety and care regulations, according to a recent inspection by the National Preventive Mechanism to the Ombudsman.
The inspection revealed that the patient, who was tied up at the time of the fire, was not under constant surveillance as required by regulations. Additionally, the room where the patient was tied did not have video surveillance.
Furthermore, the investigation identified severe understaffing in the men’s department. At the time of the incident, only one nurse and one orderly were on duty for the entire psychiatric clinic. Notably, there was only one doctor on duty for the entire UMBAL “St. Marina”, who was not present in the clinic during the fire.
The inspection also highlighted the lack of a fire alarm system in the isolator, despite instructions from the control authorities.
The ombudsman’s office emphasized that these violations violate the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Forms of Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
The institution recommended that the Minister of Health establish a protocol for implementing compulsory measures such as “immobilization” and “isolation,” clearly outlining the duration and frequency of their application and the criteria for their use.