The state department of health is issuing an emergency suspension at a child care facility in Brandon after a baby boy died. MPB's Ashley Norwood reports.
Crossgates Methodist Children's Center contacted Brandon Police Tuesday morning about the baby's condition. The 5-month-old baby boy was found not breathing at the center and later died at a hospital. Dr. Thomas Dobbs is the State Health Officer.
"Our investigation is still going on. And certainly with any harm event, especially a death, that's basically a signal event. We take that as an indication of need for serious, thoughtful and quick action. Really, that was the trigger," said Dobbs.
Dobbs says it's too early in the investigation to know wether or not the baby had any pre-existing medical problems or if the facility is responsible. He says the center has been open since 1992.
Melissa Parker is director of the licensure and certification division. She says deaths at licensed facilities in the state are uncommon.
"I think the last known event of an infant that died in the care of a daycare facility was probably around the 1990's- licensed daycare facility, correct," said Parker.
The department has indefinitely suspended the center's license to care for children less than a year old. Further investigation is underway. Ashley Norwood, MPB News.
