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Stephanie Phillips-Siwiec, a nurse from Georgia, is facing troubling charges including abuse, neglect, robbery, and aggravated battery after allegedly stealing jewelry from elderly patients at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center. The 54-year-old nurse is accused of forcefully taking rings off the fingers of a dementia patient, dislocating one of the patient's fingers in the process. The stolen jewelry included precious items with sentimental value, such as wedding bands and rings.
The alarming incident came to light when the victim's daughter noticed the missing rings after her mother's hospital visit where she had been taken after a fall. A subsequent investigation revealed that the dislocated finger was not a result of the fall, but rather from the forceful removal of the rings. Shockingly, Phillips-Siwiec reportedly admitted to using hand sanitizer to remove the jewelry from the patient.
In a separate case, another patient's daughter reported a missing 18-karat gold bracelet worth $1,000, further raising concerns about the safety and security of patients in the care of medical professionals. Wellstar Health System has responded by placing the accused nurse on administrative leave as they conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations.
The spokesperson for Wellstar Health System expressed deep concern over the incidents, emphasizing that the allegations, if true, contradict the values of care and safety that the organization upholds. They highlighted the importance of stringent employee background checks and encouraged reporting of concerns to maintain the highest standards of patient care and safety.
Phillips-Siwiec has been booked into Fulton County Jail with bail set at $140,000. She is expected to appear in court next month to address the charges brought against her. This disturbing case serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and accountability in healthcare settings to ensure the well-being and security of vulnerable patients under the care of medical professionals.
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