It’s a sad catch 22, but the hospital is afraid to speak with them exactly because they fear a lawsuit, but if the family retains a lawyer they will pay attention. However, at that point they will still stomewall teh lawyer because, they will fear a lawsuit.
I think they should speak with their clergy for advice, perhaps also a counselor of some sort to deal with the grief and loss. They should then talk with a lawyer to help them sort out what is possible.
From the description you gave, it did sound like an accident? I’m sure the first nurse wanted to preserve the fetus for medical as well as ethical reasons. It sounded like the second nurse screwed up. They can improve their procedures, seems someone needed to seal off that room until it was dealt with properly.
AFTER speaking with the lawyer, if they don’t want to sue, I’m sure state and local agencies would be interested in investigating. Also, even if the hospital won’t admit it, once they get a detailed letter explaining what happened, they probably will improve their procedures.
Thank you for your wonderful advice.
Yes, they are claiming it was an accident, and it was, in a way, but with the very limited exposure to medical process and procedures I’ve had (just starting nursing school in the fall myself), I can’t beleive another staff person (not a nurse) went into a patient room they were not familiar with and didn’t ask before entering the bathroom and disposing of anything, be it the baby or whatever. That seems very negligent in my mind. I would assume they have a protocol for shared restrooms. If not, they most certainly should now.