Nurse Charged with Assaulting Premature Infant at Grand Rapids Hospital

Authorities allege that Kieran Ansley, a nurse at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan, beat a 4-month-old girl who was born at 23 weeks gestation and had been in intensive care for months. The infant was found with broken leg bones, extensive bruising on her hands, arms, thigh, buttocks, abdomen and tongue, leading officials to diagnose pediatric physical abuse. Hospital records indicated 32 overnight entries into the baby’s room, 27 of which were by Ansley, while other nurses reported no signs of trauma.

After the mother reported new bruises and a discolored tongue, an investigation was launched; Ansley was arrested, charged with four child-abuse counts, and released on bond with a tracking device. He was subsequently fired and is scheduled for a court appearance in November. The baby, now 10 months old, lives with her family in Caledonia and is reported to be doing well.