A physician and nurse involved in the care of a pregnant patient who was discharged while in labor are no longer employed by Mishawaka, Ind.-based Franciscan Health, according to a statement from the hospital’s CEO.
In addition to the personnel actions, Raymond Grady, president and CEO of Franciscan Health Crown Point (Ind.), said he has mandated cultural competency training for all labor and delivery staff, according to a Nov. 21 statement shared with Becker’s.
“Respect for life can be compromised when a mother and baby are prematurely discharged,” he said. “Thankfully, both mother and baby are reportedly doing well and everyone should celebrate the new addition to this family.”
Mercedes Wells told ABC 7 Chicago she spent six hours at the hospital until her contractions were a minute apart. Ms. Wells said a nurse told her to go home, and she gave birth in her car eight minutes after being discharged.
“I was in excruciating pain. She seen me in pain and agony, and I guess she still perceived me to not be in labor,” Ms. Wells told ABC 7. “Upon returning to the room she’s like, ‘Well, if you aren’t further along in your centimeters then, you know, we gotta send you home.'”
Her mother shared a video showing Ms. Wells being wheeled out of the hospital accompanied by security, ABC 7 reported.
“Compassionate concern is absent when a caregiver fails to listen to a patient who is clearly in pain and vulnerable. The video was difficult to watch,” Mr. Grady said in the statement. “We failed to listen to Mrs. Wells’ concerns. As an experienced mother who publicly acknowledged having previously given birth at our hospital with a positive experience, she knew something was not right.
“We must fix what failed in our hospital so that no one experiences what happened to Mercedes Wells.”
All pregnant patients leaving the labor and delivery unit must now be examined by a physician before discharge, Mr. Grady wrote.
“On behalf of Franciscan Alliance and Franciscan Health Crown Point, I apologize to Mrs. Wells and her family for failing to live up to our Franciscan values,” Mr. Grady said. “We are committed to holding ourselves accountable through our actions so that every patient is heard and receives compassionate, equitable care.”
