This is a very unfortunate set of circumstances. We are sympathetic to Ms. Small for the loss of her child, and offer our sincere condolences.
We requested a waiver for the release of medical information from her attorney so we could present all the facts in regard to this incident. However, Ms. Small’s attorney has not provided a waiver at this time, so we are precluded from disclosing specific personal health information or answering questions in relation to her pregnancy and the details of medical care she received while in the Collier County Jail.
What we are able to say is that there is nothing in our records that shows Ms. Small was leaking amniotic fluid, and nothing in the records that indicates Ms. Small was having a problem with her pregnancy.
CCSO has a responsibility to provide medical care for inmates housed in the Collier County Jail and we do that through our medical contractor, Prison Health Services. We have a close working relationship with our contract medical provider, and worked with them to provide appropriate medical care to Ms. Small while she was incarcerated. CCSO members are not qualified or licensed to practice medicine; therefore, we rely on licensed professionals to provide medical services to inmates in our custody.
Regardless of the allegations concerning medical care, the agency has a longstanding record with our medical provider. Further, we believe the medical care provided by them is appropriate and consistent with national accreditation standards as set forth by the National Commission for Correctional Health Care.
Ms. Small was incarcerated in our jail previously and knew how to request and obtain medical care. In fact, records indicate the first time she was seen by an obstetrician related to this pregnancy was when she was in CCSO custody. While in our custody most recently, Ms. Small was housed in a special medical housing unit at the jail between Jan. 13 and Feb. 4 and had continuous medical observation and access to medical care 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
In addition, since June 11, 2008, Ms. Small has been in CCSO custody on three separate occasions totaling 128 days. During that time she had numerous interactions with medical professionals including:
13 contacts with a certified nurse’s assistant
128 contacts with a licensed practical nurse
40 contacts with a registered nurse
3 appointments with a physician’s assistant
6 appointments with a medical doctor
Some medical care received by inmates is provided by medical professionals outside the jail who are not employees of our contract medical provider. Those visits must be coordinated with and scheduled by the offices of outside providers.
CCSO and PHS provided, arranged for and delivered her to the necessary medical care. In fact, upon her release CCSO made arrangements for Ms. Small’s continued medical care and transported her to North Naples Hospital.
CCSO remains sympathetic to Ms. Small for the loss of her child, and we offer our condolences.
