Kieran Ansley, a 43-year-old former nurse at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids, was fired and charged with multiple counts of child abuse after a prematurely born infant was found with broken bones, bruises and tongue injuries. The baby — born at 23 weeks and weighing 1 lb, 1 oz — had been preparing for discharge when the injuries were noticed. Ansley was listed on 27 of 32 staff log entries that night, has been released on bond and is due in court on Nov. 10. The child, now 10 months old, is reportedly at home and recovering.
Michigan Nurse Charged After Premature Infant Found With Broken Bones and Tongue Injuries
Michigan nurse accused of breaking bones and bruising premature infant at children's hospital
A nurse at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids has been charged after a prematurely born infant was allegedly found with broken bones, multiple bruises and injuries to her tongue just before the baby was scheduled for discharge.
Details of the Allegations
Authorities say 43-year-old Kieran Ansley was fired from the hospital and faces multiple counts of child abuse following an April incident in which the infant — born at 23 weeks and weighing 1 pound, 1 ounce — was discovered with new injuries.
The baby's mother visited on April 2. Court records indicate that as she approached the room, Ansley moved quickly to speak with the family and told them the infant had 'slept through the night.' When the mother saw the baby she noticed a 'blue and black' tongue and bruises that had not been present the previous evening.
'She was born at 23 weeks — 1 pound, 1 ounce. And she made it through her due date, ready to go home. And then, two days before she was ready to go home, this happened,' the child's grandfather, Robert Steavens, told WOOD-TV.
Court filings say Ansley told colleagues she had 'seen this in the past, and it was not a big deal.' Other staff described her that night as appearing 'flustered,' 'overwhelmed,' and 'scatterbrained.' A staff log recorded 32 entries for the infant's room that night; Ansley was listed on 27 of those entries.
Response And Legal Status
Ansley was terminated from her position after the allegations came to light. She has been released on bond and is expected to appear in court on Nov. 10. Her defense attorney, Damian Nunzio, told reporters that Ansley has cooperated with the investigation, has extensive experience in ICU care, and is 'a very good person.' Nunzio said he is confident an investigation will reveal the truth.
The hospital did not provide an immediate public statement to the news outlet. Fox News Digital reported that the outlet reached out to Ansley's attorney and the hospital for comment.
Current Condition Of The Child
The infant, now 10 months old, is reportedly at home and recovering. Her grandfather said the family is focused on healing and trusting the legal process to move forward.
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