I am concerned about the death of Dontory Jordan (Metro, Sept. 1). Although it is probable that his mother was neglectful, I believe that the health care system bears some responsibility for this boy’s death.
According to earlier Tribune reports, he was born at 35 weeks gestation. Despite being premature, he was discharged from the hospital of birth at one day. This early discharge is against the guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics for hospital stay for newborns. Furthermore, there is no indication that arrangements were made to check the baby within 48 hours of discharge, which is a recommendation for all infants discharged within 48 hours of birth.
On the day of his death, weighing 3 pounds, 12 ounces, 8-week-old Dontory must have appeared deathly ill when seen by a nutritionist. Clearly, an ambulance should have been called.
A possible 14 years in prison for Dianna Meeks, Dontory’s mother, will not help the health care system to do a better job next time.
