Nebraka hospital sues woman who wouldn't leave
1:00 AM
Posted: Saturday, October 11, 2008
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) -- Medical professionals say it's rare for a patient to refuse to leave the hospital once discharged, but cases like the one in Nebraska that prompted a lawsuit this week do happen.
Dr. Richard Roberts, a professor at the University of Wisconsin who's affiliated with the American Academy of Family Physicians, said some patients tend to think they're better off in the hospital, but that doesn't mean they should stay there against doctors' orders.
"Patients don't have unlimited rights to plant their flag and say they'll never leave," Roberts said Friday.
Earlier this week, Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center in Lincoln filed a lawsuit against a patient, Gayle Strohacker, who refused to leave after she was discharged by her doctor. The hospital is seeking almost $125,000 in unpaid medical expenses.
The lawsuit did not include details about Strohacker's refusal to leave. A hospital spokeswoman refused to discuss any details of Strohacker's case because of federal privacy laws.
A phone message left Friday at what is believed to be Strohacker's Grand Island residence was not immediately returned. Several messages left for her family members also were not immediately returned.
Kelley Porter, a spokeswoman for the Nebraska Hospital Association, said hospitals try to make the transition out of the hospital as smooth as possible. Typically, staff will try to evaluate a patient's needs and the circumstances of his or her home life to determine what care is needed after discharge.
Roberts said hospital administrators want the best for their patients and don't want them to leave if they're not medically able to. But when they can leave -- either to go home or to another facility -- they have to go so the bed can be used for another sick patient.
"Hospitals are a resource, just like any resource, that you have to use wisely," he said.
However, Roberts said, some patients think they're better off in the hospital until they feel a little better, or they may be unable to perform common tasks -- going to the bathroom or making a meal -- on their own.
But that doesn't mean they should remain hospitalized. Roberts said alternatives include placement at an assisted-living center or hiring a nurse to visit the home.
A statement issued by Saint Elizabeth hospital said its intent has been to find Strohacker the most appropriate level of care. On Wednesday, it found an assisted-living facility for her to complete her rehabilitation.
Hospital spokeswoman Jan Yaussi said Friday the hospital could not disclose any other details, including the date of Strohacker's discharge. The lawsuit said she was admitted on Aug. 22.
Yaussi said she was unable to address questions including where Strohacker is now and whether the assisted-living facility she was moved to was made aware of the situation or the lawsuit.
Federal privacy laws prohibit the hospital from releasing health information without patient approval.
According to the lawsuit filed in Lancaster County District Court, Strohacker is a resident of Lincoln. Public records, however, indicate she may be from Grand Island.
The hospital statement also said a lien had been placed against Strohacker's property until other payment arrangements can be made.
The Lancaster County Assessor lists no property owned by Strohacker. Hall County does, however.
On the Net:
Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center: http://www.saintelizabethonline.com
Dr. Richard Roberts, a professor at the University of Wisconsin who's affiliated with the American Academy of Family Physicians, said some patients tend to think they're better off in the hospital, but that doesn't mean they should stay there against doctors' orders.
"Patients don't have unlimited rights to plant their flag and say they'll never leave," Roberts said Friday.
Earlier this week, Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center in Lincoln filed a lawsuit against a patient, Gayle Strohacker, who refused to leave after she was discharged by her doctor. The hospital is seeking almost $125,000 in unpaid medical expenses.
The lawsuit did not include details about Strohacker's refusal to leave. A hospital spokeswoman refused to discuss any details of Strohacker's case because of federal privacy laws.
A phone message left Friday at what is believed to be Strohacker's Grand Island residence was not immediately returned. Several messages left for her family members also were not immediately returned.
Kelley Porter, a spokeswoman for the Nebraska Hospital Association, said hospitals try to make the transition out of the hospital as smooth as possible. Typically, staff will try to evaluate a patient's needs and the circumstances of his or her home life to determine what care is needed after discharge.
Roberts said hospital administrators want the best for their patients and don't want them to leave if they're not medically able to. But when they can leave -- either to go home or to another facility -- they have to go so the bed can be used for another sick patient.
"Hospitals are a resource, just like any resource, that you have to use wisely," he said.
However, Roberts said, some patients think they're better off in the hospital until they feel a little better, or they may be unable to perform common tasks -- going to the bathroom or making a meal -- on their own.
But that doesn't mean they should remain hospitalized. Roberts said alternatives include placement at an assisted-living center or hiring a nurse to visit the home.
A statement issued by Saint Elizabeth hospital said its intent has been to find Strohacker the most appropriate level of care. On Wednesday, it found an assisted-living facility for her to complete her rehabilitation.
Hospital spokeswoman Jan Yaussi said Friday the hospital could not disclose any other details, including the date of Strohacker's discharge. The lawsuit said she was admitted on Aug. 22.
Yaussi said she was unable to address questions including where Strohacker is now and whether the assisted-living facility she was moved to was made aware of the situation or the lawsuit.
Federal privacy laws prohibit the hospital from releasing health information without patient approval.
According to the lawsuit filed in Lancaster County District Court, Strohacker is a resident of Lincoln. Public records, however, indicate she may be from Grand Island.
The hospital statement also said a lien had been placed against Strohacker's property until other payment arrangements can be made.
The Lancaster County Assessor lists no property owned by Strohacker. Hall County does, however.
On the Net:
Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center: http://www.saintelizabethonline.com
Story Comments
Read More and Post Comments 0 comment(s)
Please note: The following are comments from readers. In no way do they represent the views of The Sioux City Journal or Lee Enterprises. We will not edit or alter your comments, but we do reserve the right to not post or to remove comments that violate our code of conduct. No comment may contain potentially libelous statements; obscene, explicit or racist language; personal attacks, insults or threats. Terms of Service
