Fifteen nurses were dismissed from their positions following the death of a child at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center & Children’s Hospital in Spokane, Washington.
Reports state that 12-year-old Sarah Niyimbona died on April 13, 2024, after leaving her hospital room and jumping from the fourth floor of a nearby parking garage.
The nurses assert they are facing retaliation for speaking to the media about Sarah’s death. They have filed a grievance with the Washington State Nurses Association against Providence, alleging that their privacy was violated.
The nurses reportedly accessed Sarah’s private medical records improperly after her death.
Since late 2024, Sarah had been repeatedly admitted to the hospital’s emergency department due to multiple suicide attempts.
Her death has prompted questions about how she was able to leave her room unnoticed and exposed gaps in pediatric mental health care.
Providence states that employee actions were taken to protect patient privacy, emphasizing their commitment to confidentiality. A spokesperson, Jen York, said, “Providence takes violations of our conduct policies and federal privacy laws—such as HIPAA—very seriously. We conduct thorough reviews and take appropriate disciplinary action, including termination, to ensure patient privacy is maintained. Protecting patient information is among our highest priorities.”
The union emphasizes that HIPAA protections are of utmost importance but notes that nurses outside the Emergency Department are often called in to assist with patient care and treatment discussions during crises.
An audit was conducted after InvestigateWest initially reported on Sarah’s case, and nurses involved in record access were later asked in closed-door meetings whether they had spoken with the media. Those who declined to be interviewed or identified have since been fired.
