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Finding EXTRAordinary in the Ordinary

Wesley Leigh, MD & Wellstar Spalding Clinical Team

Dr. Wesley Leigh is the Emergency Medicine Medical Director at Wellstar Spalding Regional Hospital.

Patient:
12-year-old female

Reason for Patient Visit: 

“Annie” (name changed for privacy) was brought to the Wellstar Spalding facility for suicidal thoughts and a history of psychological disorders. When Annie arrived to the ED, the triage nurse, Michelle Gilbert, RN and Dr. Leigh completed their assessment and noticed a man’s name tattooed on her arm, which was very unusual for a 12-year-old, along with several injuries noted throughout her body in various stages of healing. The clinical team developed a rapport with Annie and soon gained her confidence and trust. They learned while Annie was trying to get to Georgia to find her aunt, she landed with a group of people who were using Annie to have sex with adults in Atlanta. After further investigation through conversations with Annie, suspicions were raised that now local relatives may also somehow be involved in abuse, so the team acted immediately to protect and defend.

Blue image with text and a photograph of a man Blue image with text and a photograph of a man

EXTRAordinary Care

Dr. Leigh, along with the medical team, notified the appropriate law enforcement agency, as well as the Department of Family and Childrens Services. They enlisted hospital security, placed a one-on-one sitter with Annie at all times, and completely restricted all visitation and outside contact until the authorities could determine who could be trusted. Dr. Leigh’s understanding of the situation and ability to recognize the signs of human trafficking ensured the safety of the child, which was the number one priority.

While Annie remained at the hospital, she responded well to the heartfelt care of the Wellstar team who diligently watched over her. She later retracted her suicidal claims and admitted that her words were a desperate cry for help. Annie began to transform back into a simple 12-year old girl enjoying watching TV, talking openly with the nurses, and coloring with a Hello Kitty coloring book. The team took her in as surrogate family, loving and protecting her throughout her time with them. Annie was eventually placed in protective care and would be reunited with her family in North Carolina where she would receive ongoing care and counseling.

“Unfortunately, Annie’s situation is not an isolated event which is why it is so important to understand and recognize the signs of human trafficking in the emergency department. I’m extremely proud of the diligent work the entire Wellstar Spalding team took to ensure her safety.”

Dr. Wesley Leigh

Hospital entrance with a modern structure, featuring a curved canopy supported by pillars. The building facade is beige brick, set against a clear blue sky. Hospital entrance with a modern structure, featuring a curved canopy supported by pillars. The building facade is beige brick, set against a clear blue sky.

Hospital Partner

Wellstar Spalding Regional Hospital has been providing quality care for its community for over 100 years. The 160-bed hospital provides comprehensive care and was recently highlighted in Becker’s 150 Top Places to Work in Healthcare for 2024.