Nurse fired after allegedly inducing labour without consent

A nurse in Moncton was fired after allegations that labour was induced without consent, Horizon Health Network confirmed Saturday.

A press release from Horizon Health said it fired the labour and delivery nurse after an internal investigation revealed "strong evidence" the nurse administered Oxytocin, which caused two patients to require an urgent caesarean section. Horizon said it took immediate action to launch an investigation.

Oxytocin is a drug that causes contractions and is used to induce labour, speed up labour and stop bleeding following labour. If it's not administered properly, contractions can become too strong.

The health authority said the two affected patients and their families have been contacted. Hospital staff were informed of the situation March 27.

"Our investigation at this point has identified these two patients and these two patients alone," said Ken Gillespie, an obstetrician and chief of staff of Moncton Hospital, when asked if there could be more than two patients affected.

Gillespie said patients should reach out to Horizon if they have questions about their care.

"On behalf of Horizon we would like to apologize to the patients and families affected by the actions of our former employee," the press release said.

The press release also said the two mothers and their babies are "safe and doing well."

Horizon said it will not be commenting any further at this time.

RCMP said they are investigating an incident at the request of Horizon Health. They say no arrest has been made.