From Pennsylvania to Oklahoma - and the end of the line at age 15

January 27, 2008|By John Sullivan, INQUIRER STAFF WRITER
(Page 3 of 3)

"He had a life threatening condition, and they ignored it."

Because of Jerry's complex medical condition, the state did not hold High Pointe responsible for his death.

The Oklahoma state nursing board disciplined five nurses for failing to provide adequate care.

One was Wesley Dale Willbanks, who had spent nearly five years in an Oklahoma state prison after being convicted on 18 felony drug-dealing charges. Willbanks was still on probation when he began working at High Pointe.

Coffman, then director of nursing, was also disciplined. He said the proceeding was unfair.

Story continues below.

"I became the fall guy," he said.

High Pointe surrendered its license to Oklahoma officials and closed nine months after Jerry died.

The center's owner, David Linden, insisted that the boy received proper medical care, and that even if he'd seen a specialist, it might not have made a difference. But he said he understands why some would wonder.

 


Contact staff writer John Sullivan at 215-854-2473 or johnsullivan@phillynews.com.

 


 

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