Dolton Woman in Labor Faces Complications After Hospital Incident

A woman from Dolton, Illinois, is currently receiving treatment for complications following the birth of her daughter after being discharged from Franciscan Health Crown Point while in labor. Mercedes Wells, 30, was sent home despite experiencing severe pain and hemorrhaging. Her family reported that she is now under care at Community Hospital in Munster.

According to her brother-in-law, Lance Thompson, Wells was experiencing trauma from the delivery of her fourth daughter, Alena. After being told to leave Franciscan Health Crown Point around 6:20 a.m. on November 18, 2025, her husband, Leon Wells, called for an ambulance due to her worsening condition. They were initially taken to the University of Chicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial Hospital in Harvey, where staff recognized the urgency of her situation and subsequently transferred her to Community Hospital.

Thompson indicated that the medical team is administering medication to address her condition while accommodating her need to breastfeed. “They said she’s going through trauma from the difficult delivery,” he explained. “She’s still in the hospital now, and they’re doing observations and running various tests.”

Wells did not experience complications during her pregnancy, and her issues arose only during labor. “This has definitely taken a toll on our family, and it’s draining emotionally,” Thompson added. He and his wife are assisting with childcare to allow Leon to be by Mercedes’s side.

The incident has sparked significant media attention and raised questions about patient care standards at Franciscan Health Crown Point. Following the incident, Raymond Grady, the hospital’s President and CEO, announced the termination of the nurse and physician involved in the decision to discharge Wells while she was actively in labor.

During a news conference, Grady expressed his apologies to the Wells family, stating, “On behalf of Franciscan Alliance and Franciscan Health Crown Point, I apologize to Mrs. Wells and her family for failing to live up to our Franciscan values.” He emphasized the hospital’s commitment to accountability and announced the implementation of cultural competency training for all labor and delivery staff.

Furthermore, Grady assured that any patient leaving the unit will now be evaluated by a physician to prevent similar incidents in the future. The hospital is taking these steps to ensure that all patients receive compassionate and equitable care.

The Wells family had chosen Franciscan Health Crown Point because it was the nearest hospital when Mercedes went into labor, arriving shortly after midnight. Despite her contractions intensifying while at the facility, she was told by the nurse that she was not far enough along to be admitted. The couple was forced to deliver their baby in their car as they left the hospital.

This troubling situation has not only affected the Wells family but has also sparked discussions about the quality and accessibility of maternal care in local hospitals. The family hopes that their experience will lead to changes in how patients are treated during such critical moments.