Healthcare Workers Fired After Disrespectful TikTok Video Surfaces
Several healthcare workers in Santa Barbara have been terminated following the circulation of a TikTok video appearing to mock patients’ bodily fluids. The video, originally posted by an individual no longer employed by Sansum Clinic, a sutter Health-owned outpatient facility, depicted eight individuals pointing and smiling at a substance on an exam table.
The post included captions such as “Are patients allowed to leave you guys gifts?” and “Make sure you leave your healthcare workers sweet gifts like these!” with a prompt asking viewers to “Guess the substance!” The video quickly gained traction across multiple social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Reddit, prompting widespread outrage.
Commenters expressed strong disapproval, questioning the clinicS culture and the employees’ ethical conduct. One Reddit user wrote, “No place for shaming the patient in medicine,” while an Instagram user asked, “What is the culture of your clinic because why did this many employees feel cozy participating in this?”
Sansum Clinic officials were alerted to the video by concerned patients and launched an immediate inquiry. According to a statement released by the clinic, all employees identified in the video who were still employed at the time were placed on administrative leave within 24 hours. Within another 24 hours, their employment was terminated.
“this unacceptable behavior is an outright violation of our policies, shows a lack of respect for our patients and will not be tolerated,” a Sutter Health spokesperson stated.
Even though the original video was deleted shortly after the backlash began, it was widely reposted and shared through “stitches” – reactions and additions made by other TikTok users. A Sansum Clinic spokesperson emphasized the institution’s commitment to patient privacy and dignity, stating, “we expect all team members to live our patients-first mission and uphold the highest standards of compassion, professionalism and respect.” The clinic is using the incident to reinforce its policies with all staff.