Mitch sniggered to himself as he dialed the hospital’s social
work department.
“Hello, this is Dr. Wagner. I would like to speak with the
social worker in charge of the Young family.”
“Oh, hello, Dr. Wagner. Jody isn’t in today, but perhaps I can
help you.”
He told her he had concerns and wanted the family inves
tigated for alcohol abuse. He answered some questions from the
social worker, then ended the call. Next, he called the NICU to
speak with Danny’s nurse.
“I’m giving you a verbal order: do not discharge Baby Young
until I give the okay. Do . . . not . . . discharge. Got that? Write
it down.”
“But, Dr. Wagner, you’re not the baby’s doctor.”
“I know that, dear, but I am the obstetrician who delivered
the baby, and therefore, I can give any orders I want on his medi
cal care,” he calmly stated. “Dr. Sheldon is with me on this. And
right now, I’m saying his medical care needs to continue here,
not at home. So that means no discharge.”
“Even though everything is ready and scheduled? His father
has even arranged to take the week off from work,” the nurse
persisted. “You can’t just cancel everything.”
“I don’t care how scheduled everything is.” His voice rose.
“I’m canceling the discharge!”
If they can investigate me, I can investigate them.
