A Tacoma hospital put my family through hell with a false accusation. Fix the system | Opinion
As the maternal grandmother of Winona Thigpen, the 10-month-old girl recently profiled in an article by The News Tribune’s Shea Johnson about child abuse allegations at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital, I am concerned about continued ethical issues occurring at the local healthcare facility.
My daughter Annie, Winona’s mother, met Abram Thigpen in high school while they were working in a movie theater. They’ve been married for six years and recently moved back to Gig Harbor from Alaska after Abram’s exemplary service in the U.S. Coast Guard.
They were eagerly looking forward to raising their new baby girl. Kind and caring, they meticulously and excitedly prepared a beautiful and safe home for Winona. They asked for masks to be worn around her if anyone was not fully vaccinated. All four grandparents were at the hospital for Winona’s birth on Aug. 29, 2023.
Annie and Abram brought Winona to an appointment with Mary Bridge pediatricians on Oct. 3, seeking care for a severe cold. The doctor suggested a visit to Mary Bridge Hospital for more tests, and Winona’s parents had them done immediately. Emergency Department records show Winona was initially diagnosed with a “small bruise noted to right side of forehead” and “slight petechiae (teeny blood spots) under the eyes.”
As The News Tribune reported, Mary Bridge staff erroneously diagnosed a skull fracture, a serious injury, along with identifying other minor issues — like the petechiae, a single broken blood vessel in one eye and pink irritation marks on the arm, which came from a piped garment I purchased for Winona just days before.
Annie and Abram were interrogated by hospital staff. Later, a Mary Bridge employee called both Child Protective Services and the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department to report the incorrectly diagnosed skull fracture and the other minor injuries, suggesting they were evidence of a possible assault.
A neurosurgeon argued that there was no fracture, but some hospital staff disagreed.
I spoke with Annie at length the first night. She was devastated about the supposed fracture, but initially unconcerned about an investigation, certain they had nothing to hide and adamant that they would never hurt Winona.
They were told Child Protective Services was considering “an out-of-home” placement, even though there was no skull fracture and the forehead bruise was gone. Words can not describe the shaking terror and despair I saw on Annie and Abram’s faces when I walked into their room that day.
Ultimately, Annie and Abram were vindicated. The state sought temporary legal custody of Winona, but after they agreed to a private parenting assessment, the case was dropped. This family was put through so much, for nothing.
I ask the community, Mary Bridge staff and donors to demand an investigation and transparency. No one should be terrified to bring their child for medical treatment.
Pick up a flier from us when we are picketing. Hold back judgment of accused parents, as I can assure you that many have similar experiences.
I have more concerns about ethical actions by hospital staff that I will address with appropriate authorities. We will be seeking change in laws to provide consequences for ethical violations by persons involved in investigations.
We thank the supporters of Annie, Abram and Winona. You uplifted them through this horrific time.
Kathy Elkins is the grandmother of Winona Thigpen and a math teacher.
