Hospital fires 15 nurses after 12-year-old patient dies by suicide

A Washington family is mourning the loss of 12-year-old Sarah Niyimbona, who died by suicide on April 13 while under psychiatric care at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center & Children’s Hospital.

In the aftermath, the hospital has fired 15 nurses and disciplined another, citing alleged privacy violations. Meanwhile, the community has rallied in support of Sarah’s family, raising more than $10,000 through a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral and legal expenses.

Healthcare system accused of failing Sarah Niyimbona

Sarah had been receiving intermittent psychiatric care for eight months following multiple suicide attempts. According to reports cited by The New York Post, she left her hospital room undetected and jumped from the fourth floor of a parking garage.

The hospital allegedly withdrew critical safety precautions despite Sarah’s documented history of self-harm — including 24-hour supervision, video monitoring, and a door alarm — and failed to adequately monitor her on the night of her death, according to InvestigateWest, citing the family’s lawsuit.

“I ask what happened,” her mother, Nasra Gertrude, told the outlet. “How come she left the room without anybody seeing her? How come she walked all the way to the elevator without anybody seeing her?”

15 nurses terminated

Providence Sacred Heart officials said the nurses were terminated for accessing Sarah’s medical records without authorization, a potential violation of federal HIPAA regulations. However, the Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA) has filed grievances on behalf of the fired staff, arguing that the nurses were responding to the crisis and acting within their clinical responsibilities.

Hospital implemented new protocols in light of Sarah Niyimbona’s tragic death

The hospital has since implemented new protocols, including suicide risk screenings for all patients and procedures for locating missing individuals, reports The New York Post.

The Washington Department of Health has launched an investigation into the hospital’s handling of Sarah’s care.

Grieving family searches for answers and GoFundMe Campaign

Sarah’s sister, Asha Joseph, told PBS the family is still searching for answers. “We’re confused how this could happen,” she said. “We also want to know why there wasn’t anyone there at the moment, why there was nobody watching her and how she was able to leave.”

The GoFundMe campaign describes Sarah as “a bright angel who lit up our lives with her presence.” The campaign has raised a little over $10,000 as the community mourns and demands accountability.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available. Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.