An investigation in Biscay has concluded into the case of a nurse who worked in the children’s department of the Kabiezes health center in Santurtzi. The woman was accused of pretending to vaccinate children for a year and a half, while in reality she either did not administer the vaccines or failed to follow the proper procedure. As a result, hundreds of underage patients were placed under suspicion.
The court panel determined that the defendant suffers from a severe mental disorder that completely impairs her ability to understand her actions. Because of this, she was exempted from criminal responsibility, but was required to undergo a seven-year course of outpatient treatment under psychiatric supervision. Additionally, she is barred from working in healthcare and holding public medical positions for the same period.
The ruling also provides for monetary compensation: the former nurse must pay 20,000 euros to the regional health service (Osakidetza). This amount covers the costs of re-vaccinating all children whose immunizations were called into question. Inspections revealed that at least 38 minors did not receive the required doses of vaccines against measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, and tetanus. Parents noted the vaccination process was unusually quick, and their children did not experience the expected reactions.
The court also addressed the Ministry of Justice with a proposal to consider amending the criminal code. The suggestion concerns introducing separate liability for medical professionals who, while obligated to vaccinate children, deliberately simulate the procedure and mislead both parents and the state.
Psychiatric evaluations confirmed that the woman suffered from a complex delusional disorder with elements of mysticism and messianism. According to the court, this was the cause of her actions. The decision has not yet entered into force and may be appealed to the highest judicial authority of the Basque Country.
As a result of the scandal, all 404 children who had been in the nurse’s care were revaccinated. This sparked anxiety among parents and raised questions about the reliability of the regional healthcare monitoring system.
