The Florida Department of Health says its concerned about the circumstances that led to the death of a 57-year-old Blountstown woman. Barbara Dawson collapsed in the parking lot of Calhoun Liberty Hospital after being discharged.
The Florida Department of Health weighed in Thursday on Dawson's death. She died Dec. 21 after being discharged from the Calhoun Liberty Hospital Thursday that it could become involved in investigating the Dec. 21 death of a woman who collapsed in the parking lot of a Blountstown hospital after being discharged and forcibly removed by police. The Agency for Health Care Administration last month announced it was investigating. Now the Florida Department of Health has alluded to a similar move, saying its "deeply concerned" about the circumstances surrounding Dawson's death.
"The Florida Department of Health is deeply concerned with the events that transpired at Calhoun-Liberty Hospital. Although by law, the department cannot disclose the existence or status of any investigation until 10 days after finding of probable cause or wrongdoing, we are committed to working with our sister agencies to do whatever is necessary to ensure patient safety and quality of care for Florida’s citizens."
Dawson went to the hospital for treatment, but refused to leave once she was medically cleared, leading to police being called to remove her. An autopsy report states she died of a blood clot in her lungs. Dash-cam video from a police car released by attorneys for Dawson's family document her final moments. Dawson repeatedly states she can't breathe.
