Jacksonville, FL — After social media posts surface showing Naval Hospital Jacksonville staff members inappropriately handling newborns, the Navy Surgeon General is taking action.
WOKV first told you about the social media posts yesterday- in one, a staff member appears to make a baby dance to rap music. In another, an employee is flipping off a newborn, saying it's how she feels about "these mini Satans". Naval Hospital Jacksonville posted on their Facebook page on behalf of their Commanding Officer, saying the posts were "outrageous, unacceptable, incredibly unprofessional, and cannot be tolerated". At that time, they also confirmed the staff members involved had been removed from patient care and could face legal and military consequences.
Now, Navy Surgeon General Vice Admiral Forrest Faison has sent a message to Navy Medicine commanders worldwide, directing “immediate mandatory all-hands stand downs” at all commands, in order to review the oaths, pledges, and reasons for serving in Navy Medicine. There will also be a review of policy regarding use of personal phones and recording devices, and in the meantime person cell phones have now been prohibited in patient care areas.
“In an age where information can be shared instantly, what we say and post online must reflect the highest standards of character and conduct, in both our personal and professional lives. As health care professionals, we are entrusted with the lives and well-being of all those who have volunteered to defend our freedom, including their families. We owe them the best care and compassion our nation can offer. We owe them our unqualified respect,” says Faison’s statement.
Faison calls the social media posts “highly offensive”, saying it’s inconsistent with Navy Medicine’s core values and medical ethics.
“At every level of the enterprise, we must send a clear message that Navy and Navy Medicine leadership take every allegation of offensive and unacceptable online conduct seriously and will hold responsible individuals accountable for their actions,” the statement says.
All commanding officers have now also been instructed to ensure there are no additional patient photos on social media and to personally contact mothers and expectant mothers planning to deliver at one of their facilities to address any concerns.
Message from #USNavy surgeon general about professional behavior - https://t.co/6ydK53uQBd via @NavyMedicine pic.twitter.com/Sd78fERQvR
— U.S. Navy (@USNavy) September 20, 2017
Faison further commended those who brought forward the social media posts, instead of staying silent.
“This is what I expect of every member of the Navy Medicine team- from the deck plate to our senior leaders. Honor, service, caring and compassion- that is what the Navy Medicine team represents. Because of that, American families rest well at night knowing we have the watch and are committed to the best care for their loved ones. We cannot compromise the trust that has been placed in our hands. Our Sailors, Marines and their families deserve our best,” he says.
The two staff members involved have not been identified at this time, but Naval Hospital Jacksonville says they are not nurses.
Naval Hospital Jacksonville's Commanding Officer sends: We are aware of a video / photos posted online. It's...
Posted by Naval Hospital Jacksonville on Monday, September 18, 2017