Hospital Investigation Reveals Failure to Provide Adequate Care
Departure from Standards
The initial hospital that treated a man during a mental health crisis failed to meet care standards, according to a state investigation. The Department of Health led the investigation of Parham Doctors’ Hospital in Richmond, Virginia. The hospital, where Irvo Otieno was briefly held, was found to be “not in compliance” with health guidelines for hospitals that treat mental health crisis patients.
A Tragic Incident
Irvo Otieno, a 28-year-old Black man, tragically died in March after an incident at Central State Hospital. He was pressed to the floor for approximately 11 minutes by a group of Henrico County sheriff’s deputies and hospital employees. Surveillance video capturing the incident sparked outrage across the U.S., leading to calls for mental health and policing reforms.
Lack of Stabilizing Treatment
The state investigation revealed that Parham staff failed to provide stabilizing treatment for Otieno during his time at the hospital. Moreover, the report noted that a psychiatrist did not examine Otieno during his six hours in the emergency department. The hospital’s non-compliance with care guidelines and the lack of immediate attention to Otieno’s condition are deeply concerning.
Action Plan and Responsibility
Working Towards Improvement
Parham Doctors’ Hospital is actively working with the Department of Health to address the findings of the investigation. The hospital has submitted an action plan requested by the agency. Pryor Green, a spokesperson for Hospital Corporations of America, which owns the facility, emphasized their commitment to providing compassionate and high-quality care to all patients.
A Family’s Heartbreaking Loss
Otieno’s family has shared that he was experiencing mental distress at the time of his initial encounter with law enforcement. He was taken into police custody and transported to the local hospital for mental health treatment. Unfortunately, his condition worsened, leading to the tragic events that unfolded. Mark Krudys, an attorney for the Otieno family, described the treatment at Parham as “non-care,” emphasizing the abandonment of efforts to stabilize Otieno’s condition.
Call for Reform
The death of Otieno has had significant consequences, including legal charges and a wrongful death settlement. Additionally, the governor has pledged to seek reforms for mental health care. This incident highlights the urgent need for improvements in mental health crisis response and the proper treatment of individuals in distress.
