Another Important Website

Looks like I’m not the only person who wants to expose this place for what it is…  check out this website about UHS!!

What’s Going On?

I got a text message the other day from someone who asked me if I had given up on my blog, and why no one was posting anything on it anymore.  No, I haven’t given up on my blog.  Yes, I’m still here. Yes I’m still helping people who contact me at info@ubhdentonsucks.com   But, I have been quiet.  And I’ll explain the two reasons for that.

The biggest reason is to give the legal system time to handle all the lawsuits filed against this facility.  Click here to see a list of those.  As of this writing several of the lawsuits are still open and winding their way through the slow and arduous process of discovery, taking depositions, etc.  I’m surprised I haven’t already been subpoenaed for those, but, then again I seriously doubt that the lawyers for the hospital want what I know, saw and heard in the formal record.  In any case, I did not want to post anything on this blog that could have any bearing on the outcomes of those cases.

The other reason is I have slowly and steadily recovered from my ordeal and I’ve tried to put it behind me.  Life has moved on in very pleasant directions, and I find that dwelling on the past isn’t helpful to me.  But, I fought too long and too hard to keep this blog to abandon it.  I still keep an eye on it and I read all the comments that people post.

I still care and want to see justice done, but sadly it’s just not going to be because the parent company of the hospital has more money than God.   Universal Health Services is a Fortune 500 company.  In 2014 they did over $8.5 billion in revenue, grossing about a half a billion in net profit.  So all these legal bills, all the court costs, etc?  Those are nothing but budget dust for them!

If they gave each of the victims with lawsuits pending $1 million, that would represent .8% of their 2014 profits.  Now $4 million sounds like a lot until you put it in dollars that us regular folks can relate to.  Suppose you made $100,000 a year and had to pay out lawsuit verdicts that represented .8% of your income.  That would be a whopping $800.   You really wouldn’t notice that amount after it’s all said and done.

However, the wrongful death cases probably won’t yield $1 million apiece.   The plaintiffs will be lucky to get $500,000 apiece is my best guess.  But, we’ll never know what these suits yield for the grieving families because they will all ultimately settle out of court, allowing all the horrid things that happened to be sealed up in a nondisclosure agreement never to be discussed again.

Where Are They Now?

The mastermind behind UBH cashed in his chips years ago and made a killing.   Yes, Dr. Richard Kresch has started another mega-venture — US HealthVest and he’s opening up more hospitals around the country.   Other than an unpleasant legal bill or two, it seems I didn’t really make much of a difference in his behavior.  Oh well.

A cursory look on LinkedIn shows that there’s lots of new faces on the UBH leadership team.  It is my sincerest wish that they can and will fix the problems that I and others encountered.  Meanwhile the CEO who was running UBH has been hired by none other than US HealthVest.  Go figure!

Can’t find much online about Dr. Atique Khan.  Physician ranking sites continue to show pretty poor patient satisfaction ratings, which doesn’t surprise me.

So, that’s about all the news I have for now.  I’ll of course post when there is more.

2014 in Review

Every year WordPress sends me a report on my blogging activity for the year.  I got the report today.  I had only two new posts all year.  I thought I had written more but I hadn’t.  Yes, the hospital and its lawyers clearly succeeded in scaring the hell out of me enough that I am simply afraid to post anything new.  The horror stories still come in… the frantic e-mails and phone calls still happen…I’m just too chicken shit to post them.  I feel somewhat like a failure in that regard.

Then again, I look at my post stats.  In 2014 this blog had over 14,000 views!  That means that what I wrote in the past is still being read, and based on the e-mails and phone calls I get, it’s clearly making a difference for some people.  I’m relieved that my lawsuit and the entire ordeal I went through was not in vain.  I’ve helped some people, and for that I am happy and just a little bit proud.  At the rate this blog is being viewed, we will surpass 100,000 views in 2015.  People DO pay attention to this and DO read it.

My biggest regret, though, is that the horror stories do continue to flow in.  I had hoped that under new ownership, the hospitals might get better.  It doesn’t sound like much has changed.  Meanwhile Dr. Kresch has gone on to start yet another money machine at US Healthvest.  Yes, the same person who started UBH Denton is opening facilities in other states.  Money has no conscience I suppose.

I stay in touch with so many people I met through the process of creating this blog.  Some of them have become my friends.  They have recovered from their experiences as best they can and moved on.  Some of them have lawsuits that continue to drag through the legal system at a snail’s pace, and I wonder if there will ever be any justice for them.  I can only hope.

I wish you much peace and prosperity in 2015.  Keep in touch with me at info@ubhdentonsucks.com

 

Legal Action Against UBH & Mayhill

Here’s a summary to date of all the legal action against UBH/Mayhill that we can find.  We’ve included links so that you can see the cases that interest you.  They are listed with the most recently filed one first.  If you have a case that you’d like us to include in this list, please e-mail us at info@ubhdentonsucks.com.

• Jon Gower, Individually and as Representative of the Estate of Aaron Ashley Gower VS University Behavioral Health of Denton, a/k/a UHP, LP d/b/a University Behavioral Health of Denton; Universal Health Services, Inc.,Nishendu M. Vasavada, M.D.  (Filed 9/30/2014). 
• Cynthia Navarrete as Next Friend of Faith Sandoval, a minor, and Kimderly Ann Sandoval, a minor; Cynthia Navarrete as Representative of the Estate of Jose Matias Sandoval, Jr.,; and Jose Sandoval, III VS University Behavioral Health Of Denton a/k/a UHP, LP d/b/a University Behavioral Health of Denton; Ascend Health Corporation; Universal Health Services, Inc.; Praveen Moolamalla, M.D. (Filed 3/19/2014)
• Darlene Schroeder As Next Friend of Helen Porch, An Incapacitated Adult VS Mayhill Hospital.  (Filed 12/13/2013)
• Jessica Rogers-Hall VS University Behavioral Health of Denton a/k/a UHP, LP d/b/a University Behavoioral Health of Denton; Mayhill Behavioral Health, LLC d/b/a Mayhill Hospital; Ascend Health Corporation; Universal Health Services, Inc.; and Raza Sayed, M.D.  (Filed 10/14/13).  
• K.L. VS University Behavioral Health of Denton a/k/a UHP, LP d/b/a Univeristy Behavioral Health of Denton; Ascend Health Corporation; Universal Health Services, Inc.; and Praveen Moolamalla, M.D.  (Filed 9/13/13).
•  Joseph Juraszek VS University Behavioral Health,Assad Islam, M.D.  (Filed 11/19/12).
• Kristen Colston, individually and on behalf of the Estate of William T. Colston, Deceased, and on Behalf of All Wrongful Death Beneficiaries of William T. Colston, Deceased VS UHP, LP d/b/a University Behavioral Health of Denton and Harold Neil Jacobson, M.D. (Filed 9/12/2012).
• Barbara Gochenour VS Mayhill Behavioral Health LLC d/b/a Mayhill Hospital (Filed 2/17/2012).
• Theresa Klein v. Gary Byron Watts, Denton Rehabilitation Hospital, LP d/b/a Mayhill Hospital, and Seniorhealth, Incorporated d/b/a Mayhill Hospital
• Brenda Wells VS Ascend Health Corporation, UHP LP, Atique Khan, M.D. (Filed 1/25/2010).

Need an attorney?  Click here!

Note:  We have only included lawsuits alleging civil injury or malpractice.

 

Yes, We’re Still Here

It’s been awhile since I last wrote, but, there are reasons for that.  One is I’m not too keen on getting sued again.  Another is that life has moved on in many pleasant directions that have finally helped me to heal somewhat from my experiences with UBH.  Over six years and I finally feel like I might be “over it” (at least as much as I am ever going to be).

I saw online that the Colston case settled out of court.  I hope Mrs. Colston and her family got millions, but something tells me they didn’t.  It doesn’t matter anyway, nothing would replace the precious life that was lost.  And not that one life is ever more valuable than another, but, the life of one of our treasured and brave military is such a tragedy to lose over something so stupid as this “hospital.”

Make no mistake, though…. I am still receiving tons of e-mails from those who stumble across this blog.  It sounds like nothing has changed at UBH or Mayhill.  I am forwarding all requests to speak to the national reporter on to her/him so that your stories might be heard.  And I will not let what I and so many of you went through be in vain.  I am convinced that the real story has not yet been heard.  Sooner or later?  It will be.

UBH did not honor its end of our settlement agreement.  I’m not surprised.  I suppose I am legally not really bound by it anymore, either.  But hey, a bargain is a bargain even if they don’t think so.  At no time, however, did that agreement include me shutting up.  Until next time…..

I’m Not Surprised

My first post on this blog was over 3 years ago, and since that time I have heard so many stories and talked to so many people that nothing–absolutely nothing–surprises me anymore.   Many of the things I have heard are not on this site, because the people who shared them either did not want to be embarrassed by having been at UBH, or, their lawyers wanted the story kept under wraps due to pending litigation.

Tonight I watched the most recent news story from Byron Harris at www.wfaa.com    It made me sad and I want to just simply extend my condolences to Ms. Kristen Colston, the widow interviewed in that story.   I am so sorry for her loss, and, for her children who now grow up without a father thanks to whatever happened inside the walls of UBH.

I am also so sorry for Mr. Jurazek, who it sounds like was seriously injured in there as well.  After hearing his story, and the story of Mr. Colston, I feel quite fortunate to be a survivor of my experience at UBH.  I am reminded how lucky I am to have come out of that experience in one piece.   I am also reminded how much stigma is still attached to being in a “psychiatric hospital” and how hard it is for so many people to share their experiences.

There is a national news reporter who wants to talk to people who have been patients there, or, who worked there.  Please e-mail me at info@ubhdentonsucks.com with your contact information so I can pass it on to this reporter.  Until we get some serious light shining on this subject, it’s probably not going to get any better.

Do You Want to Tell Your Story?

An investigative reporter for a national news network would like to speak to anyone who previously worked for either hospital, or, who currently works for them.  And of course, anyone with experience as a patient would also be of interest to him.

You are NOT required to go through with an interview just by talking to the reporter.  He will simply want to discuss with you what happened and what you have to share, and then if he determines that you could contribute to the story in a meaningful way the two of you will work out the interview details.  The good news is that this reporter is willing to mask your identity, if necessary, for your protection.

If you are interested in talking with him, send your name and contact information to us at info@ubhdentonsucks.com    We will forward your information on to him.

Attorneys

Attorney Dawn Smith

Dawn is a firecracker and a very compassionate lady.  She takes wonderful care of her clients from what they have told me and she is very accomplished, having spent her career fighting for injured parties across the U.S.

A member of the U.S. Supreme Court Bar, you can visit her website by clicking here.

Attorney Skip Simpson

Skip Simpson sees his job as a way to hold mental health care providers accountable.  Suicide prevention is his number one goal, and his website notes this:

The National Institute of Mental Health (2011) reports that over 90% of Americans who die by suicide suffer from a treatable mental illness and/or substance disorder. With competent care, protection, and proper treatment, thousands of these victims could, conceivably be alive today.

However, before a mental health provider can treat mental illness, they need to detect, assess, and protect the suicidal patient before suicidal individuals choose to attempt that most desperate and final act. In those situations in which suicidal people have been detected and are referred for psychiatric care, many families and friends believe their loved ones are safe.

Unfortunately, they are not always safe. Many licensed mental health professionals are poorly trained — if trained at all — in the detection, assessment, protection and treatment of suicidal people. Although you might expect your loved ones to receive proper care in a psychiatric facility, they might actually be in harm’s way due to poor training of facility staff.

Contact Skip by visiting his website here.

 

NOTE:  Neither of these attorneys asked or paid to be listed on this blog.  I have never accepted one dollar of compensation for running this blog.  I am featuring these two legal eagles because they have proven to me that they care about their clients.

Memorial Service for Aaron Gowan

Aaron Gowan, may he rest in peace, died at the age of 22 after a stay at UBH Denton.  His family has filed suit against the hospital.

Please come out to support his family and to honor Aaron’s life on Saturday, December 14.  The memorial will be in the parking lot next to UBH Denton’s parking lot and will last from 9:00 a.m. until the afternoon.

Case No. 2013-30804-211

Case No. 2013-30804-211… filed in Denton County on 10/14/13.

Jessica Rogers-Hall VS University Behavioral Health of Denton a/k/a UHP, LP d/b/a University Behavoioral Health of Denton; Mayhill Behavioral Health, LLC d/b/a Mayhill Hospital; Ascend Health Corporation; Universal Health Services, Inc.; and Raza Sayed, M.D.

Jessica, you see, is one of the many friends I have made through this blog.  I have watched the torment and hell she has gone through since she was in UBH.  I have talked to her on the phone when she was freaked out so bad that she didn’t know what to do.  I have watched her work very hard to pull her life back together and I think she’s done a great job and been very strong.

Sadly, the worst is yet to come for her, I fear.  If they treat her case like they treated mine, she’s in for a rude awakening about how little they care about doing the right thing when something goes horribly wrong at their hospital.

What I don’t get is how they stay open.  I really don’t.  How many lawsuits are currently active against UBH Denton?  Let’s list ’em….

1.   Jessica Rogers-Hall VS University Behavioral Health of Denton a/k/a UHP, LP d/b/a University Behavoioral Health of Denton; Mayhill Behavioral Health, LLC d/b/a Mayhill Hospital; Ascend Health Corporation; Universal Health Services, Inc.; and Raza Sayed, M.D.  (Filed 10/14/13).

2.  K.L. VS University Behavioral Health of Denton a/k/a UHP, LP d/b/a Univeristy Behavioral Health of Denton; Ascend Health Corporation; Universal Health Services, Inc.; and Praveen Moolamalla, M.D.  (Filed 9/13/13).

3.  Kristen Colston, individually and on behalf of the Estate of William T. Colston, Deceased, and on Behalf of All Wrongful Death Beneficiaries of William T. Colston, Deceased VS UHP, LP d/b/a University Behavioral Health of Denton and Harold Neil Jacobson, M.D.  (File 9/12/12).

4.  Joseph Juraszek VS University Behavioral Health,Assad Islam, M.D.  (Filed 11/19/12).

These cases are all ACTIVE.  FOUR lawsuits for injuries active at one time.  Some before the you-know-who (aka Dr. Kresch) sold this chain to Universal Health Services and some after, so, we can’t blame the previous owners or the current ones exclusively.

Meanwhile, where is the almighty Joint Commission?  On UBH’s website it still shows that they are accredited by the JC.  How can that be?  I’ll tell you how…..click here.  Every person I know who works in healthcare actually believes that the JC is something to be feared.  I’d say otherwise.  Apparently it hands out accreditation like free candy on October 31.

I wish all of these plaintiffs the best of luck.  May they succeed where I failed.

 

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand…. sued again!

Ah yes….. finally…..and just remember, for every lawsuit you DO see, there’s probably at least 3 or 4 more never filed because of lack of money or a case that wasn’t strong enough for an attorney to want to hang his/her hat on (that doesn’t mean it didn’t have merit….)

K.L. VS University Behavioral Health of Denton a/k/a UHP, LP d/b/a Univeristy Behavioral Health of Denton; Ascend Health Corporation; Universal Health Services, Inc.; and Praveen Moolamalla, M.D.    #Case No. 2013-61223-393 in Denton County (Texas) Court.

Here is what is fundamentally wrong with this picture:  the wheels of justice move so slowly.  I know who “K.L.” is.   I know when her incident occurred, and, what I want you, readers, to realize is that it took place about 18 months ago, give or take a few months.  In the last 18 months, there has been absolutely no public record of her complaint, or, what happened to her.  Meanwhile, how many of you out there trusted this hospital with yourselves, or your loved ones?  How about your young children?  And if things go as they have with Joseph Juraszek VS University Behavioral Health,Assad Islam, M.D.  filed in November 2012?  It’s going to be a long time before the truth comes out.  (Actually, it probably never will, but, that’s beside the point).  

Then again, there’s this one…..   Kristen Colston, individually and on behalf of the Estate of William T. Colston, Deceased, and on Behalf of All Wrongful Death Beneficiaries of William T. Colston, Deceased VS UHP, LP d/b/a University Behavioral Health of Denton and Harold Neil Jacobson, M.D.    Also filed in 2012.

Here’s another one … I wish I had the story on it, but, it was dismissed without anything being revealed that I can see.  Barbara Gochenour VS Mayhill Behavioral Health LLC d/b/a Mayhill Hospital .

 

Think carefully when choosing hospitals, people.  Think very very carefully.

Well what do you know… UBH got sued again!

Get Mad As Hell!

“I want you to get up right now, sit up, go to your windows, open them and stick your head out and yell – ‘I’m as mad as hell and I’m not going to take this anymore!’ Things have got to change. But first, you’ve gotta get mad!…”

–Howard Beale, played by Peter Finch in “Network.”

Go over to WFAA’s story and scroll down to the Facebook comments.  I am disgusted by some of them, and you should be, too.

It’s like people with “mental illness” just don’t matter to people who don’t have one (or think they don’t). There were three people featured on that news story…one of them is DEAD. We’ll never really know what he would tell us about how he was treated. One of them was a MINOR. If you have ANY doubts about the story, pay careful attention to the fact there was a real live attorney there, on camera, who was willing to speak to the media. Contrary to what you may have heard about attorneys… that is very rare.

If you live ANYWHERE in Texas, recognize that this is happening in YOUR STATE. And, for whatever reason, it’s been allowed to go on. If you don’t live in Texas, well, hell, it’s still a travesty. Write your congressman or senator and send them the link to this story and get them to watch it. Something absolutely has to be done when things like this can be allowed to happen.

It makes me angry–that I have been operating this blog for going on THREE YEARS, and, it took a young man dying at one of these places to get media attention?  People cannot say they weren’t warned.  The Denton Record Chronicle has been contacted numerous times by me and by others.  Other reporters have been told about this.  The authorities were contacted.  And of course, the Almighty “Joint Commission” was told and they haven’t done SQUAT.  Maybe someone should contact them again?

(Getting my ass sued, however, still is apparently not newsworthy in the Lone Star state).

If you know someone who was mistreated at these Denton facilities, please encourage them to come forward and call Byron Harris at WFAA. His number is 214-748-9631 and his e-mail is bharris@wfaa.com    He will not put you on camera or in a story just by talking to you.  He’s not going to shove a camera in your face without your permission, and, he’s a very nice man I might add.

There is no shame in having been in one of these hospitals, or, at any mental facility.  There is no shame in having a mental illness. There is, however, shame to be showered down upon every sorry sack of human excrement who has ever allowed someone at ANY of these places to be mistreated, neglected, abused, or assaulted.   The sooner people come forward or speak up about this issue, the sooner something can be done.

Well, I Guess It’s Not a Secret Anymore….

There was an investigative report aired tonight about my favorite hospitals!  It aired on WFAA Channel 8  in Dallas and was reported by Byron Harris, an award-winning investigative journalist.     I will be sharing links on the site to the story when it is available online.  Meanwhile, those of you who have joined me in hoping for some sort of spotlight to be shined on this situation should thoroughly enjoy the broadcast.

 

I just have to bite my tongue….

I have heard from so many of you lately.  And yes, I sit here on my hands, saying nothing.  That’s the only thing I can do at the moment.

I just want to give super huge kudos and high fives to those of you who have spoken out.  You are heroes and you are, I promise you, going to change someone’s life for the better.  It won’t necessarily be someone you know, and it may not be someone you ever meet… but I promise you, you are making a difference.

Stay strong.

For all the girls…..

….and you know who you are!  This one is for you.  Hang tough. Be proud.  

Urgent Notice

To the victims and families of UBH Denton and Mayhill Hospital:

Byron Harris, investigative reporter for WFAA News 8, has launched a formal investigation of UBH Denton and Mayhill Hospital. Friday, March 29th at 10:00 AM, interviews will be held. We are urging victims, family members of victims, and former staff members to come forward to tell your story so that changes can be made to these facilities so that no more lives are lost or ruined. Please contact us at loveyou4life6212@gmail.com for information on where to go and who to talk to.

Thoughts for Today

I find my mind consumed with the news of the latest death.  I’ve got a headache splitting my skull in two but I can’t really think about anything else.

Things that make you go HMMMMM!  Some reporters are doing the job they should have done years ago and investigating what’s happening at the hospital.  For the record, I cannot comment to any of them (I think my lawyer would kill me with his bare hands).  I’m relieved to hear someone is on the case, but, I’m a little offended that it took someone dying to get their interest up.  (You reporters….you can’t say you weren’t told about it plenty of times, I guess somebody dying was a necessary condition for it to be “news?”  How pathetically sad and tragic.)

 

Meanwhile I offer my condolences to the families of the two dead men.  One of them was 22 years old as I understand it.  What a waste.  I don’t know anything about the most recent one.  Balancing a full-time job, having a life, and getting my ass sued absorb most of my time these days, but I do want to say to the families:  I am here for you, as I have tried to be for everyone else who has suffered through this type of ordeal.  I cannot say I will know the words that will comfort you–I am sure there are none–but please, don’t let your loss be in vain.  Speak up, speak out, and fight like hell.

You can reach me at info@ubhdentonsucks.com   Just remember, though, that anything you write on my blog is subject to subpoena by the hospital.  If you prefer to talk to me on the phone, I will send you my number.

Speaking of numbers… got a strange call today from a strange number.  That has been happening more and more lately…. hmmmmmmmm…….

Another Death? Just reporting on a comment!

UPDATE ON 3/25:   I have heard from a very reliable source that the Denton PD is already investigating the death.  I will post more updates as I receive information to share.  

Original Post from 3/24 follows:

Either someone is seriously screwing with me…or the problems at these hospitals are far worse than even I imagined.  Today someone posted a comment on my site reporting a death at Mayhill Hospital in Denton.

I’ve included a screen shot of the actual comment, but if you want to see it in its original form, click here.  

Naturally, I’ve sent this on to my attorneys.  Other people who follow the site who have lawsuits pending tell me they have sent it to their attorneys.  But…here’s the real question…. will it make any difference?  Will anyone actually DO anything?  Will the local paper do anything?  The Denton Record Chronicle has been contacted numerous times about this situation, by me and by others I know. They’ve never done a thing.

I’ve corresponded with Byron Harris, of WFAA in Dallas….. I gave him the name of every witness and contact I have.  He said none of them would return his calls.  They said he never contacted them.
Oh, and I’ve reported them to the almighty Joint Commission .   I put absolutely zero faith in that organization, and, you can read the why of that by clicking here. 

 I don’t know what to believe, other than there is so much indifference  about this situation that it may just not matter at all what has happened, or what will happen next…. but….. I’m not giving up just yet.  I have to have faith that what has happened to me, and, what has happened to other people–including the people who are gone and can no longer speak for themselves–will not be in vain.  It just can’t be. 

I’m overwhelmed

This week, our site broke the 50,000 views mark.  I have mixed emotions about that.

It’s a very good feeling to think about all the people helped along the way.  I have talked to so many people on e-mail, chat, and the phone… and my heart just broke for them.  These were not people who said “I (or a loved one) went to a psychiatric hospital and hated it….”   Let’s be very clear… these people said “I (or a loved one) went to this particular hospital… and these really horrific circumstances resulted.”

But… when I first started the site?  No way I would have ever guessed that so many people had such bad experiences.  I was shocked to see how many people wrote in and shared their stories.  I’m also shocked to see how many people do searches every day about this hospital.  Never underestimate how many people are looking into a service provider, especially one as important as psychiatric care.

The day I tried to get UBH Denton and in particular Atique Khan to simply correct my medical records?  The sheer ARROGANCE to suggest that there was no wrongdoing and no need for correction when the discharge papers were completely inconsistent with the admission papers?  That, my friends, is the complete unmitigated total crock of proverbial shit.

Meanwhile, at the time?  I honestly didn’t see two lawsuits, over 5 years and 50,000 visitors to a website coming down the pike.  If I had?  I probably would have just given up and resigned myself to the fact that in this world?  Sometimes you’re the windshield, but usually… you’re the bug.

In any case…. let’s lighten things up a bit.   Hey…. gotta riddle for you!

What’s the last thing that goes through a bug’s mind when it hits the windshield?

Its ass.

I’m BAAAAAAAAAAAAACK

So UBH and its parent company were sold this year, as expected.  For over $500 million, as I understand it.  Meanwhile…. they have left ME hanging.  They sued me for about $6 million they knew I didn’t have, and, now that their lawyer is pushing up daisies and they have $500 million in the bank…and their former investors like Brian Chee at Polaris Venture Capital have feathered their nests all the more….what’s left?

I’ll tell you what’s left…. the HOPE that new owners Universal Health Services, Inc., will clean up the atrocities that are UBH Denton and Mayhill Hospital.  I am optimistic about that, I have to be.  Why?   I can’t have gone through all this for nothing.  When I was waiting out the early days of the lawsuit, all I could say to myself was “I did what was right… I did what was right….”

And, I did.  I’ve saved a lot of people by going public with my story and I don’t regret it.  Here’s the thing I don’t get….

They say the world is full of frivolous lawsuits, right?  And my lawyers are simply amazing southern gentlemen who are truly wonderful and compassionate men, so please don’t think I’m complaining about what they charge, because they’ve been super gracious and wonderful to me and they are worth every penny they bill for…..

…but is it really fair that to date I’ve had to spend tens of thousands of dollars to sit around and wait for Richard Kresch, Atique Khan, and the now sold Ascend Health, to…..fish or cut bait?  They apparently don’t have the desire to finish what they started.  I guess with $500 million in the bank Dr. Kresch is too busy thinking up his next big venture to worry about little old me anymore, especially since he’s no longer going to be impacted if UBH is shut down or loses its license.

And years ago they threatened to come after ME if I didn’t drop MY suit against them, alleging it would be frivolous.  <shaking my head>

So, for now, I have decided that I have to get back to work on my site.  Please send your stories and your questions to me at info@ubhdentonsucks.com    I’m in this for the long haul…..

Ladies and Gentlemen, Step Right Up…..

…. In the third ring, we present Behavioral Hospital of Bellaire!

Just when I think everything is going to get quiet and improve?  I get another e-mail.  This time from a family member of someone in the Houston, Texas, area.  Apparently their relative is being held at another Ascend Health facility.  It seems that the patient’s rights are being ignored (per The Patient Bill of RIghts in Texas).  I do not yet have all the details.

What disturbs me is that Universal Health Services apparently just completed the purchase of Ascend.  What that means is that Richard Kresch and all his buddies just got over $500 million.  My question is does the newest story to reach my inbox mean that even under new ownership, nothing is apparently going to change at these facilities?  I hope I’m wrong.

Wow….. Selina’s Story

Here’s the latest story from none other than Mayhill Hospital.  As always, the name has been changed to protect the victim (but in case UBH’s attorneys are watching, yes, I have this in writing and yes the victim gave me permission to publish this):

I checked in voluntarily to Mahill on 8/28/2012. I was discharged on Labor Day. It was by far the worst experience of my life. There are so many complaints that I do not know if I should elaborate on here. I am a former hospital administrator and am certain of the many violations. Yes, I know who JHACO is etc… I will file complaints with all you recommended.

 

On Day 1 of my stay for opiate abuse, prescription, a tech on 1st floor told me that if I did not behave and follow the rules that I would be placed in a room which she was more than willing to take me into. I had no idea of a seclusion room and certainly was not a candidate for this. I complained. When I asked to leave thinking I could get AMA paperwork, they instructed me that I could request a 24 hr hold and go to court. Court? Seriously, I am a resident of Upshur County. Why would I go to court in Denton County and I entered voluntarily.

 

I was soon moved from the substance abuse floor (1) to the 2nd floor with geriatrics, mentally ill patients, agressive patients. Group did me little assistance as there was NO one there with my situation. I was drugged with Seboxone then told I could not leave as the drug they had given me would cause withdrawal symptoms. I asked multiple times for a PDR explanation of Seboxone but I guess they felt I was illiterate.

 

I began experiencing symptoms of an URI on Friday and requested an appt with the medical doctor, Dr. Evans. I saw him on Saturday with a 104 fever. He suggested I stay away from other patients. How is this possible in group??? When I arrived home, I went to my family doctor on Tuesday to discover I had bilateral pneumonia despite the script Dr. Evans gave for Levaquin.

 

The techs are barely over 18 y/o and are rude but the adult techs are more intimidating. Yelling at you, stating you need to clean the day room. What? This is a hospital. We could not conduct group over Labor Day weekend due to the harassment of the staff.

 

A stroke victim I sat with at meals spilled his drinks on average of 2 times per meal. The cafeteria staff would hand me a towel and instruct me to clean it up. Universal precautions??? Not here. I’m now housekeeping staff!!!

 

I will be happy to elaborate to poor treatment of geriatric patients, aggressive patients being in a smoke room with others which just initiated fights, theft of my property, drugging, misinformation and 5 minutes every 2 days with Dr. Islam, Medical Director who was my psych.

 

I count myself lucky to have gotten out alive. Seriously! You can check my charts if they have not been alerted which I suspect will be done as the patient advocate could not find my complaint on being threatened with the Seclusion Room. 

 

So a few days later, she followed up with this:

I spoke to Shannon Jones, Patient Advocate, upon my return to complain. She stated she had been out of the office most of my stay. However, she further informed me that she had received over 30 complaints from patients for mistreatment over the Labor Day weekend. This hospital needs to be sanctioned or shut down. I know in group on Saturday 9/1/2012 our “therapist” Leslie was handing out patient complaint forms to all that attended. Also, one tech, T on night shift was a savior for me. He and I had lengthy talks about the other techs/aides and their immaturity and lack of experience. He stated he realized what his colleagues were doing and was concerned as a Christian. Surprisingly, he encouraged me to not allow the psychiatrist to “cookie cutter” my prognosis or stay. He had a kind spirit and truly was there to help the patients. Unfortunately he was there when we were all sleeping. Who can sleep?? Unless drugged. Severely mental patients were continually roaming the halls, cursing in loud voices and slamming into my room. I have never been so afraid. I pray daily that God will allow my nightmares to end.

Update

As promised, I am not going to share all the details of the legal proceedings in my blog.  But, because some of you have continued to stay in touch, I will at least keep you abreast of happenings that are public record.

First of all, I love my legal team.  They’re wonderful men who represent me well.  They are true gentlemen and scholars.  If you have a bad impression of lawyers, let me just say you’ve probably never met anyone like these guys (because you’ve probably never been sued for $6 million-ish bucks!)  Let me just say working with a team like this makes a lawsuit a lot more pleasant than it would otherwise be.

Meanwhile, we’ve both filed rounds and rounds of papers and both sides have run up enormous legal bills that will only get bigger, I suspect.  And, that’s without any of us seeing a courtroom yet.   What a great use of resources in an economy like this one!   It’s sickening, really, to see the right to freedom of speech costing this much, but apparently that’s the trend these days.  Big business doesn’t like what you say?  They just SLAP you with a lawsuit.  Most folks cannot afford to defend themselves, so it silences them.  And, it can also bankrupt them, too.

I continue to caution all of you who may have stories to share about an Ascend Health facility to NOT put them in writing to me unless you want to risk being on the receiving end of a lawsuit, too.   I can, however, continue to refer you to an excellent attorney in Texas who will advise you of your rights, if you feel you’ve been mistreated by one of these hospitals.   Just e-mail me at info@ubhdentonsucks.com and send me your phone number or just ask for the lawyer’s name.  She’s one of the good guys, and, I wish I had found her back when all this started.  I suspect I would not be in the mess I’m in now if I had.

Today I treasure my right to freedom of speech a little more than I used to as a result of all this.  I hope you treasure your’s too.  Just remember, sometimes it comes at a very high price.   Until next time….   I’ll shut up!

 

Why You Should NOT Tell Me Your Story About UBH

I have thoroughly enjoyed helping each and every person who asked me for help with their situation regarding UBH Denton.  As much as I hated seeing anyone go through the nightmare that I went through, it was vindicating to know that it wasn’t “just me.”

But, please please please…. if you are dealing with UBH at this point in time, do NOT write me or post any comments to my blog.  You see, Mr. John Dozier, of www.cybertriallawyer.com, thinks it’s all in good fun to name everyone who posted something that Richard Kresch and Atique Khan didn’t like as co-defendants in the lawsuit against me.  If you post anything on this blog, even as an innocent comment, you could ultimately be named as a co-defendant as well.  Don’t risk it.

IF you need help or advice, please e-mail me at info@ubhdentonsucks.com with your phone number and ask me to call you.  I will call you back as soon as I can, and then I can give you the name of an attorney who will help you, and, I can answer any questions you have.  But, do NOT write anything on my blog as a comment, please.  You are leaving yourself wide open to have John Dozier try to make an example out of you and I’d hate to see you have to spend the kind of cash I’m spending on a lawyer just because you feel the need to tell the truth about this “hospital.”  I just have to put that word in quotes because it’s NOT a real hospital in the medical sense of the word, IN MY OPINION, WHICH I AM STILL ENTITLED TO.  

As much as I hated seeing anyone else go through the hell that I went through, it has been a pleasure to help everyone who needed me when they had a loved one stuck in this “hospital.”  It made something positive come out of my experience.  And, if I lose the lawsuit?  I still win, for two reasons:

1.  I’ve managed to show the true colors of UBH and Ascend and Richard Kresch and John “Bull-y” Dozier.  (Yes, John, I’m calling you a bully.  Because IN MY OPINION WHICH I AM STILL ENTITLED TO, I think you are one.)
2.  I know, in my heart, I did the right thing the entire way through, and, I did it for the right reasons.

This post, and this entire website, is dedicated to Jack.