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Update: The Navy Surgeon General said Wednesday that he 'applauds' those who reported the inappropriate baby photos.
Vice Admiral Forrest Faison said that members of the Navy medical team represent the Navy "24/7."
Photos and a video of staff members at Naval Hospital of Jacksonville went viral after being posted to social media. They could face charges, one expert said.
"Unprofessional and inappropriate social media behavior is inconsistent with both our core values of honor, courage and commitment as well as our medical ethics, violating the oaths we took for our profession and office. This type of behavior also has a negative effect on mission accomplishment and good order and discipline," Faison said.
"I have directed immediate mandatory all-hands stand downs within 48 hours at all Navy Medicine commands to review our oaths, our pledges, our reasons for serving, as well as Navy Medicine’s policy regarding use of personally owned phones and other recording devices," Faison stated. "Further, all commanding officers will be tasked to ensure no additional patient photos exist on social media and to take immediate action to remove such content. I applaud the individuals who took a stand when they witnessed this inappropriate behavior online. They chose not to be silent."
Original story:
A picture of a staff members inappropriately handling a newborn at Naval Hospital Jacksonville has gone viral, and the hospital says the staff involved in the incident will face legal action.
Action News Jax received exclusive video of what appears to be a nurse inappropriately handling a newborn.
Naval Hospital Jacksonville officials say the corpsmen have been removed from patient care after the video was posted to social media.
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The hospital sent Action News Jax a statement Tuesday evening saying an investigation is underway and that appropriate actions will be taken.
Full statement from U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery:
We are aware of the inappropriate video and photos and can confirm they are<br/> hospital corpsmen, not nurses, but we are unable to confirm their names or<br/> tenure in light of the ongoing investigation. The individuals have been<br/> removed from patient care, meaning they will not be providing direct patient<br/> care. We are also contacting patients to address any questions or concerns<br/> they may have. This type of behavior is incompatible with the Navy's core<br/> values of honor, courage and commitment, as well as medical ethics. It also<br/> does not reflect the commitment Navy Medicine has to provide the best care<br/> our nation can offer to those who serve as well as their families. An<br/> investigation is underway. Once the investigation is complete, appropriate<br/> actions will be taken.
There is also a photo of the incident which appears to show staff inappropriately gesturing to a newborn and calling the infant a Satan.
The photo is captioned “How I currently feel about these mini Satans."
The hospital calls the images outrageous, unacceptable and incredibly unprofessional.
Naval Hospital Jacksonville said on Facebook: “We have identified the staff members involved. They have been removed from patient care and they will be handled by the legal system and military justice.”
The hospital says it is still notifying involved parties.