SAEDNEWS: The CEO of the company that owns a residential treatment facility in the United States has resigned after a patient, who had been in a coma and completely unconscious, became pregnant and gave birth. Authorities have launched an investigation into allegations of sexual assault connected to the case.
According to Saednews, The board of directors of Hacienda HealthCare has accepted the resignation of CEO Bill Timmons following a shocking incident at one of the organization's care facilities near Phoenix, Arizona.
The resignation came after a female patient, who had been in a vegetative state and completely unconscious, gave birth at the facility. The birth reportedly took place on December 29. According to reports, staff members were unaware that the patient was pregnant until shortly before she went into labor.
The patient's identity has not been disclosed. Nurses reportedly said that she had been moaning for several months, but caregivers did not recognize the cause of her distress or notice the physical signs of pregnancy.
Authorities in Arizona launched a criminal investigation to determine who sexually assaulted the patient.
A longtime employee of the facility, who has worked there for more than ten years providing around-the-clock care, told CBS News that no one realized the patient was pregnant until she was close to giving birth.
Gary Orman, vice chairman of Hacienda HealthCare, said the organization is committed to a full investigation and to identifying the person responsible for the incident.
He stated that the organization would do everything possible to ensure the safety and well-being of both patients and employees.
At the same time, The New York Times reported additional allegations against the facility, including claims that the privacy of unconscious patients was not adequately protected while they were being bathed or having their clothing changed.
Company officials said they have revised their safety protocols. Under the new policy, male employees are no longer allowed to enter the rooms of female patients unless accompanied by a female staff member.
The Arizona Department of Health Services also announced that it is conducting inspections and a comprehensive review of the healthcare provider's operations.
