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Indiana Hospital Fires Doctor and Nurse After Woman Gives Birth in Car Minutes After Discharge

The hospital pledged policy changes after video of Mercedes Wells’ roadside delivery prompted an internal review.

Overview

  • Franciscan Health Crown Point CEO Raymond Grady said the physician and nurse involved in Mercedes Wells’ care are no longer employed and issued a public apology.
  • Grady announced mandatory cultural competency training for labor and delivery staff and a new rule requiring a physician to examine any pregnant patient before discharge.
  • According to the family, Wells spent about six hours at the hospital, her water broke before discharge, she never saw a doctor, and her daughter Alena was delivered in the family’s truck eight minutes later.
  • Hospital leaders say they have reached out to the family, while Leon Wells and their attorney report they have not yet heard from Franciscan and are seeking a meeting.
  • Mother and baby later received care at Community Hospital in Munster and are doing well, as the investigation and calls for broader accountability continue.