Naples – The tragic death of little Domenico Caliendo, which shocked public opinion and raised questions about the safety of the most vulnerable patients, does not appear to be an isolated case.
Another painful story emerges from the corridors of the Monaldi hospital, bringing to light the death of Christian, a newborn who died at just six days old on December 10, 2024, in the neonatal intensive care unit.
The case has been brought back into the spotlight by the child's father, Marco, who is deeply troubled by the recent tragedy that struck the hospital. His testimony retraces the dramatic moments he experienced during those crucial hours, casting doubt on medical management that, according to the Prosecutor's Office's consultants, presents serious challenges.
Investigations and parents' doubts
The investigation opened following Christian's death has led to the listing of 12 healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses, as suspects. The alleged crime is negligent liability for death or personal injury in a healthcare setting. Next March, the Preliminary Hearings Judge will decide whether to commit 11 of the 12 suspects to trial.
The memories of his father, Marco, are vivid and full of pain: "We were summoned by the director, who told us that our son was no longer with us. We were told he had suffered a cardiac arrest, and we were still in tears when we were advised to cremate him."
It was precisely this insistence on cremation, with the documentation already prepared, that aroused the parents' suspicions: "We realized something wasn't right. We decided to refuse and request an autopsy." A decision that triggered the legal investigation.
According to the expert reports from consultants appointed by the Prosecutor's Office, the medical staff's conduct "was not correct and appropriate." For little Christian, born premature and underweight, the use of the feeding catheter would have proved fatal, a crucial detail that the judiciary is now called upon to clarify.
I'm very sorry about this whole situation, but I don't feel like judging right away. The story seems confusing, with documentation already prepared for cremation and recommendations to have him cremated immediately. Things that don't add up: it's unclear how they used the feeding catheter, the information is fragmented, and the parents were right to request an autopsy.