The Landsréttur (Supreme Court of Iceland) has confirmed the conviction of Steina Árnadóttir, a nurse, for manslaughter due to negligence in relation to the death of a patient at the psychiatric department of Landspítalinn in 2021. Despite being found guilty, she will not face any punishment. The ruling came after the prosecution had requested a conviction for manslaughter, arguing that Steina acted with gross negligence when she accidentally administered a nutritional drink incorrectly, leading to the patient's suffocation.

The court's ruling marks a significant moment for both the legal and medical communities in Iceland, particularly given the implications for professional accountability in healthcare settings. The case had been previously addressed by Reykjavik District Court, which also found Steina guilty, but the verdict was contested by her, allowing for the appeal to the Supreme Court. This highlights the challenges faced by healthcare professionals in navigating complex medical situations and the legal repercussions that can follow.

The confirmation of this conviction raises important questions about the standards of care expected from nurses and the legal frameworks that govern healthcare in Iceland. While Steina will not serve a sentence, her case may influence future legal cases involving medical negligence and serve as a reminder of the care required when dealing with vulnerable patients.