A police investigation has been launched after a woman who has been a vegetative state for more than 10 years recently gave brith.
The woman, who is a patient at the Hacienda HealthCare facility in Phoenix, Arizona, reportedly gave birth to a baby boy on December 29.
Staff had been giving the patient around the clock care, according to CBS’ local affiliate, KPHO-TV.
A source told the station:
“None of the staff were aware that she was pregnant until she was pretty much giving birth.
“From what I’ve been told she was moaning. And they didn’t know what was wrong with her.
“There was a nurse that was there, and from what I’ve heard, she’s the one that delivered the baby.”
They went on to explain that the facility has since changed its protocol. Now, if any male staff members needs to enter a female patient’s room, they must be accompanied by a female employee.
Phoenix Police Sgt. Tommy Thompson confirmed to the station that an investigation has been launched.
A spokeswoman for Hacienda HealthCare said in a statement to KPHO:
“Hacienda Healthcare has been in business in the valley for over 50 years, and has an outstanding reputation providing high quality specialized care for our patients.
“As a Healthcare provider, we cannot comment on any patient due to Federal and State privacy laws. Additionally, we cannot comment on any ongoing investigations.
“We can say that our patients’ and clients’ health and safety is our No. 1 priority and that we always cooperate, when asked by any agency, in an open and transparent way.”
