North Fulton Hospital nurse accused of elder abuse, stealing from patients

ROSWELL, Ga. — A nurse faces multiple counts after police say she stole from her patients in North Fulton.

Roswell police arrested Stephanie Phillips-Siwiec on three counts of elder abuse, three counts of robbery and three counts of theft by taking.

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The investigation began after police received a call from the daughter of a 95-year-old patient at Wellstar North Fulton Hospital.

The woman told police that a nurse stole her mother’s $1,000 gold chain link bracelet off her wrist on Sept. 28. Susan Swift said her mother had her bracelet on when she arrived at the hospital and was taken to her room.

Jail records show that Phillips-Siwiec was booked into the Fulton County jail on Saturday and released Sunday. But investigators later learned about at least two other victims they say were in the nurse’s care.

Phillips-Siwiec was rebooked on the new charges on Wednesday. Jail records show she posted bond and was released Friday.

Swift told Channel 2′s Tom Regan that the bracelet was expensive, but it also held even greater sentimental value.

“For twenty years, she has worn that gold bracelet, and it meant a lot to her. Her three close friends gave it to her as a birthday gift when she turned 75,” Swift said.

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She said she has no idea why Phillips-Siwiec would do something like this.

“Maybe she’s a kleptomaniac, maybe she needed the money, who knows,” Swift said.

Wellstar told Channel 2 Action News that Phillips-Siwiec has been placed on administrative leave while the investigation is ongoing.

“These allegations, if true, go against everything we stand for as caregivers. Every person should feel safe and comfortable when they receive care. We are cooperating with the investigating authorities and will take further action as appropriate. We have apologized to the patient and her family,” a Wellstar spokesperson said.

“We conduct thorough employee background checks and encourage our team members and patients to report their concerns, which they can do anonymously, to help ensure the highest levels of care and safety,” the spokesperson added.

Police have not released details about the other victims.

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