Murder trial against nurses: Nine patients died from medication!

Murder trial against nurses: Nine patients died from medication!

In Aachen, the murder trial against former nurse Ulrich S. is making headlines. The judges at the Aachen Regional Court have recently had to deal with a disturbing series of incidents that occurred in the palliative care ward of the Rhein-Maas-Klinikum Würselen. The prosecution accuses the nurse of having administered highly sedative medication on his own initiative in 26 cases, which is said to have led to the deaths of nine patients. He is also charged with 34 counts of attempted murder. The defendant himself protests his innocence and claims that he only acted without a doctor's order in exceptional cases. He reported that he followed doctors' instructions in 99.5 percent of cases t-online.de.

The process not only has legal dimensions, but also arouses profound emotions among the relatives of the affected patients. Twelve relatives were admitted as co-plaintiffs. A particularly touching case is that of a man over 80 years old who was treated in the palliative care ward in May 2024. After his discharge, he is said to have died in a hospice, where, according to his son, he had lost trust in the nursing staff. Tragically, he tried to jump out of the window to avoid receiving medication from a nurse again. This is done by WDR documented.

Criticism of palliative care

The allegations have also sparked a discussion about medication practices in palliative care units. Critics complain that the dosages are often too low and the treatment does not meet the needs of the patients. During his work, Ulrich S. reported on psychological problems that were exacerbated, among other things, by the corona pandemic. The many challenges, including visitation bans and reduced support services, highlight the stresses faced by caregivers during this time. An article by PMC highlights that healthcare workers need ongoing support to cope with such stress.

The investigation is comprehensive, and the Cologne public prosecutor's office has begun its own investigations into earlier periods in which Ulrich S. worked at the Cologne Municipal Clinics. Irregularities were also discovered here. At the moment, no one seems to know exactly where the investigation will lead, as the criminal police in Aachen are still working on the case and several trial dates are planned until September. The defendant faces the risk of a possible life sentence followed by preventive detention if the allegations are proven true.