In a recent development, discussions took place on Thursday between an Indiana hospital and a woman who was denied admission just before delivering her baby. This incident has sparked significant dialogue between the involved parties.
Mercedes Wells found herself in the surprising position of giving birth to her daughter inside her car after being informed that she had not progressed sufficiently in labor to be admitted into the hospital.
Currently, the Wells family is in discussions with hospital representatives to determine the best path forward. ABC7 Chicago had the opportunity to speak with the infant’s father on Thursday evening.
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The Wells family remains hopeful about these discussions, although they acknowledge, through their Chicago-based attorney, a “disconnect over what happened and what should be done.”
Leon and Mercedes Wells are committed to advocating for changes at Franciscan Health in Crown Point, where they claim Mercedes was instructed to leave despite being in active labor.
Shortly after leaving the hospital, Leon Wells ended up delivering their daughter, Alena, on the roadside.
“I put my fingers around my baby’s head, and as my wife pushed, I pulled,” Leon said. “This is while I still in driver’s seat.”
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The couple and their attorney had their first meeting with Franciscan Health hospital administrators on Thursday.
“My wife wasn’t heard when this first situation happened, and I’m not too sure she’s heard now,” Leon said.
Franciscan Health Crown Point say they’ve since fired the physician and nurse directly involved with Mercedes’ care and made changes, including mandated cultural competency training for labor and delivery staff.
President and CEO Raymond Grady said in a statement, in part, “After spending time with the Wells family, I am even more confident that we share the same goals, to ensure every patient is heard and receives compassionate, equitable care.”
However, the family’s attorney, Cannon Lambert Sr., says more needs to be done, including adding implicit bias training and firing the two nurses seen here wheeling Mercedes after the couple says she pleaded for them to admit her.
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“When you see something, you should say something, They didn’t.” Lambert Sr. said.
The family’s attorney says the couple has not filed a lawsuit against the hospital, but depending on how the talks continue, that is an option. Their bottom line is to make sure no mother has to endure what Mercedes did.
“For them to see this and not say anything about it. It’s really hurtful,” Leon said.
