The Barcelona hospital, considered a benchmark in detecting physical and sexual violence, has received the same sanction as Sant Joan de Déu and Sant Pau hospitals, despite having intervened to correct the infant's neglect. Center sources explain that the legal team has requested an extension to present the appeals, which will finally be until July.
The regional government's report has caused deep distress among Vall d'Hebron specialists, who express surprise and annoyance at being singled out at the same level as other centers, when they believe they were the ones who detected and treated the infant's severe injuries. The baby, just over a month and a half old, presented multiple bruises, fractures in both limbs, and anal injuries that threatened his life.
Vall d'Hebron professionals completed and submitted the report to the Infància Respon service within a day and a half, highlighting the case's "extreme complexity." They insist they managed to "save the baby's life" thanks to a leading multidisciplinary team. The infant had previously been treated at the Roger de Flor CAP and Sant Joan de Déu and Sant Pau hospitals, without these centers detecting the severity of the injuries until Sant Pau alerted the Mossos d'Esquadra and referred the case to Vall d'Hebron.
The CSIF Catalunya Health union representative, Jesús Jiménez, has criticized the Generalitat's "equal" distribution of responsibilities, suggesting possible favoritism towards Sant Joan de Déu. Both Vall d'Hebron and its professionals recall their extensive expertise in this field and the fact that the infant survived in a "100% public" center.
Vall d'Hebron doctors testified before the judge that they had never seen such severe anal injuries, considering it "impossible" for them to be compatible with natural processes. The injuries, including femur and rib fractures, and possible brain damage, suggest a possible "stretching and twisting" or "shaking."
