Catheter left in baby's arm, parents say

An Attleboro couple alleged yesterday that Brockton Hospital physicians discharged their 3-month-old infant daughter with a plastic catheter still inserted in her arm.

The outraged parents, Michael Mandell and Heather Mudd, are pondering a lawsuit against the hospital.

''I don't think the person who did this should be working there," said Mudd. ''You should be extra cautious with an infant."

Brockton Hospital is investigating the alleged incident, which occurred last weekend, but would not release any details.

''Because of strict laws that protect the confidentiality of patient care, we are not able to address any inquiry that deals with patient care," said a statement released yesterday by the hospital. ''Any patient concern is taken seriously and investigated fully according to the letter and spirit of the law and guidelines within the state of Massachusetts."

The state Department of Public Health, which was alerted to the complaint by Brockton Hospital administrators, is also investigating the matter, a department spokesman said.

Mudd's infant daughter, Michaela, was running a fever Saturday when her physician sent the baby to Brockton Hospital for blood tests, the family said in an interview.

Hospital personnel inserted three IV tubes before they could successfully draw blood, the family said. Later that evening, just as she was bathing her daughter, Heather Mudd noticed the plastic catheter, hidden by gauze, protruding from Michaela's right arm.

''I was scared and infuriated at the same time," she said.

Paramedics were called and removed the catheter. Though a left-in catheter can place patients at risk for infection, the baby was fine, the mother said.

Mudd said she was not sure yet whether the family would sue the hospital. But she thinks someone should pay.

''My main point is to have whoever did this to be disciplined," said Mudd.