Medical malpractice investigations in Castellammare di Stabì

Investigations are underway in Castellammare di Stabia regarding medical fatalities and alleged malpractice at San Leonardo Hospital.

In one instance, authorities arrested Eutalia Esposito, the former head of the Obstetrics and Gynecology department, following the death of a newborn in early 2024. Esposito faces charges including manslaughter, fraud, and misdirection. Prosecutors allege that medical staff engaged in a “systematic cover-up” by altering clinical records and the crime scene to hide errors made during delivery. Three other staff members have been suspended from professional practice.

In a separate incident, State Police launched an investigation into the deaths of 33-year-old Greta Astarita and her seven-month-old fetus. Astarita, a resident of Piano di Sorrento, reportedly sought emergency care at the hospital’s gynecology department for groin pain. Following medical evaluations, she was discharged and returned home. Approximately two hours later, her condition deteriorated rapidly and she lost consciousness. Emergency services transported her back to the hospital, where medical staff confirmed the fetal death. Astarita was admitted to the intensive care unit but passed away later that afternoon. Authorities are investigating whether the medical care provided during her initial visit could have prevented the outcome.