The mother who took her cancer-stricken daughter from Phoenix Children’s Hospital, with a catheter still in her heart, has attempted to defend her actions.
According to ABC News, the mother says that the hospital intimidated the family about paying the bill.
On November 28, Surveillance video caught Norma Bracamontes walking out of the hospital with her daughter Emily, 11, at 10:30 pm along with a young boy.
Bracamontes said that the hospital not only threatened her family, but they made threats to Emily as she battled leukemia.
Bracamontes told this to ABC News while imitating a hospital official:
“Emily, you’re not going to go home cause your mom and your dad haven’t filled all the forms, so blame them that you’re going to be here stuck in the hospital.”
Bracamontes said that in addition to the intimidation, the hospital also treated Emily insufficiently when she became ill with the MRSA virus. The MRSA virus eventually led to Emily’s arm being amputated.
The Phoenix Children’s Hospital released a statement to ABC News, saying:
“Our policy is to provide services either free of charge or at a reduced amount to patients who are not able to pay for services.”
The hospital, in regards to the MRSA infection, said:
“We steadfastly disagree with the assertions brought forth regarding the quality of care Emily received.”
Emily and her family are back home in Mexico as she continues to fight against leukemia.
Emily credits her mother with saving her life, saying:
“She saved my life…she saved my life two times. I know here in Mexico, I feel good because the doctors…love me so much.”
Police began a frantic search for Emily after the hospital reported her missing on November 28.
Authorities and medical professionals are worried that the catheter in Emily’s heart could become infected and potentially kill her if it’s not removed by a medical professional.