A mother of conjoined twins claims that a hospital prevented her from seeing her surviving daughter. On August 26, Sarah Thompson faced an unimaginable situation when she gave birth to her conjoined twin daughters, knowing one would not make it. Initially, she commended the staff at Children’s Hospital Colorado for their efforts to save her surviving daughter, Lily. However, after raising concerns about Lily’s treatment, Sarah alleges the hospital restricted her visitation rights, which she views as a severe injustice. It is profoundly cruel to keep a critically ill newborn from her mother unless absolutely necessary for the child’s safety.
Tragic Birth and Immediate Aftermath
According to reports from The Denver Channel, Sarah delivered her twins via C-section. Tragically, during the procedure to separate them, her daughter Emma passed away, a predicted outcome given the circumstances. While Lily survived the separation, she remained in critical condition.
Concerns Ignored and Grievances Filed
In December, Sarah expressed her discontent on a fundraising page, stating that she felt her concerns about a troubling procedure were being ignored. “I felt like everything was going wrong because it was,” she remarked. Sarah recounted a moment of panic when her daughter began to bleed heavily. When she voiced her worries about the hospital’s response time, she claims that the charge nurse reacted defensively and unkindly.
Following her complaints, Sarah lodged formal grievances with the Joint Commission and the Department of Health, believing the incident warranted investigation. Unfortunately, the hospital allegedly responded by limiting her visitation to just two hours per day, citing that staff were uncomfortable working with her due to fears of legal repercussions. This approach raises serious ethical questions, as it seems to punish a mother for advocating for her child’s care.
Transfer Request and Further Restrictions
On a recent visit, Sarah informed a nurse of her desire to transfer Lily to Boston Children’s Hospital, recognized for its expertise in Lily’s medical issues. This conversation led to Children’s Hospital Colorado banning her from visiting entirely, claiming she had breached a “behavior contract.” “How is discussing my daughter’s transfer a violation of this contract?” Sarah questioned. “This is an abuse of power, and my daughter is the one suffering because of it.”
Hospital’s Response and Ongoing Advocacy
While the hospital has refrained from commenting on this specific case due to privacy laws, they assert that their decisions are made with the best interests of patients in mind. After the story gained attention, Sarah’s visitation rights were reinstated, and she remains determined to pursue her daughter’s transfer.
Additional Resources
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Conclusion
In summary, Sarah Thompson’s experience highlights the challenges faced by parents navigating healthcare systems, especially when advocating for their children’s well-being. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of open communication and empathy in medical settings.