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

 

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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.

 

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.

I Just Threw Up In My Mouth a Little Bit

http://blog.polaris.vc/2012/06/04/universal-health-services-acquisition-of-pvp-backed-ascend-affirms-new-model-for-behavioral-health/

Yes, I realize it’s all about the money, but IN MY OPINION (and yes, I can still have one, even if I am getting my pants sued off), that’s kind of how it was when I was in UBH…. all about the money.  That, IN MY OPINION, didn’t do much for the quality of care I got or the success of the treatment.  It was just about the money.  And if you’re a good business person?  That will make perfect sense to you.  Until someone you love–someone who is important to you–ends up in a hospital like this.  Just ask my son.  Or my parents.  Or my then-boyfriend.

And by the way, I posted this comment to their blog post. It is “await moderation” and I’m sure it won’t make it to publication, but, I wrote it just the same and I’m proud of it:

“ubhdenton on June 17, 2012 at 11:45 am said:Your comment is awaiting moderation.

“I have debated for a week whether or not to post here.  And I figure, “What else can Richard Kresch and Ascend “Healthcare” do to me?”  You’re already suing me for $6 million.

“Mr. Chee needs to seriously look at the business practices of his boy, Richard, before bragging about how he “improves” healthcare services.  I don’t begrude you the right to make such an astronomical profit, but please do not mislead the public about how you did it.”

 

FYI…. they didn’t ever publish my comment on their blog, at least not as of this writing.

Let’s Sue the Bastards… POWER TO THE PEOPLE!

If you have been a patient at either UBH Denton or Mayhill Hospitals, and held against your will (especially after signing yourself in voluntarily), it is imperative that you contact me immediately.  E-mail me at info@ubhdentonsucks.com   with a brief summary of your story.  I have at least one attorney (and am talking to others) willing to listen to you, and, consider representing a large group of you.  Hey, my lawsuit didn’t work out, but your’s just might!  There is strength in numbers in the legal system, the more of you that come together, the better.

The bottom line is that UBH is billing, now, $2,100 per night.  Every night they can force someone to stay at their facility, that’s another $2,100 in the bank.  Even if the insurance companies that reimburse them only do so at a rate of 50%, that’s still $1,050.  And, let me assure you, as someone who has been on the inside, they aren’t providing any services or facilities that are remotely worthy of such charges.

If you ask to leave… or your parents want to take you out.. they hold you against your will for just “one more day.”  Sometimes two, or three… and always under the promise that they will get a court order to keep you.  <SENTENCE DELETED>

<SENTENCE DELETED>  Why health insurers keep putting up with this I’ll never know, but my guess is their insureds aren’t telling them what’s happening.  After all, it’s embarrassing enough to be in a psychiatric hospital in the first place.  It’s even more demeaning to be held or commitment.  By the time most people get out of this poor excuse for a hospital, they are so broken and worn out they just want to put the experience behind them.

<SENTENCE DELETED>  They let them walk  as soon as they insisted on leaving.  So no, you weren’t crazy.  And you didn’t deserve to be “committed.”  <SENTENCE DELETED>  Plain and simple.  Don’t be embarrassed, or ashamed.  Be PISSED OFF.

Even if no lawyer takes this case, I assure you, there will be strength in our numbers.  I have e-mailed tonight every person who has ever contacted me privately about their experience to ask them to send me contact information.  It is time to pull together and it is time to find someone who will be your voice.  We’ll find that person, and, if we don’t?  We’ll create our own voice.  I promise you, I’ve already figured out how.

Just some thoughts on 2/18/2012

I woke up to let my dog out during the night. While waiting for him to come back in, I checked e-mail. Yet another story in my inbox, this time about a patient getting locked in a bathroom and forgotten by the UBH staff. Since I don’t have all the details I’ll save that juicy little nugget for the day when I can provide all the details.  (Again, if you have a story, please write me at info@ubhdentonsucks.com)  Meanwhile…. I wonder….

…what, if anything, my little site has done for the over 20,225 hits–reads–I have had since I started it? How many people were spared the trauma of this place before they went in because I published the truth?

…does the Denton county Probate judge, who handles all their commitment hearings, ever look at my site?  I hope so.

…why doesn’t the Denton Record Chronicle investigate this armpit?  (It’s not like they haven’t been notified about my site and what’s happening.)

…how well do the UBH doctors sleep at night after they do a vampire-styled “hoover” on the insurance benefits of so many unsuspecting victims each day?  I’m guessing like babies, but maybe someone there has a guilty conscience?  I hope so.

…whatever happened to Drunk Randy?  Is he still sober?  And, if so, how does one stay sober after committing such acts of unspeakable incompetence and malfeasance as are required to work at UBH?

…what would have happened if I had just walked out of the e.r. that night and NOT gone to UBH?   I honestly cannot complain at this point.  Four years later, I have a great job and most of it is a bad memory (my thyroid is permanently whacked, there’s still about 10 pounds left and some fading emotional scars, but quite frankly I’ve grown used to them and I think they give me a certain character that I might not have otherwise developed.)

…will this hospital every change?  Are all of Ascend Healthcare’s other hospitals this bad?

Eh… the dog is back inside.  Time for bed.  G’nite.

Tales from a UBH Employee

I got permission from the employee who sent this to me to share it with you.  Of course, like most folks affiliated with UBH, he/she does not want to be identified.  But, I think you will find this very interesting just the same….  (my comments are noted in red below each statement)

“The place was complete chaos. None of the patient’s wore arm bands, therefore I can easily see how patient’s could get mixed up.”  

I will say everyone wore armbands when I was there.  The doctors didn’t give a crap about who each person was, and no one ever looked at the arm bands except for the RNs who handed out medication.  I will say they were great ladies, every one of them.  

“…meeting were with the whole treatment team…the nurses, docs, and counselors, and of course the people in accounting.  ….  <SENTENCE DELETED>  If the patient actually belonged there and had real mental problems they would discharge them with a couple days to spare so that they could come back.”

Every health insurer in the state of Texas should be taking this dung heap of a hospital off their acceptable providers list.  Every taxpayer in Texas should be PISSED because the state health plan (Blue Cross Blue Shield) pays for people to go here, too.      

“There was a foster parent that would bring her “out-of-control” teenagers to the facility on a regular basis. Since they were foster kids, their insurance is paid for by the government.  These kids would stay for weeks.”

I have heard similar stories about military personnel who wanted off active duty so they would do things to get sent here.  <SENTENCE DELETED>  I don’t know how true that is, but, I’m sure if it’s not someone will let me know in good time.  But what does that tell you about how our country values the military who risk their lives for our freedom?  

“<SENTENCE DELETED>  I don’t know what the outcome was…”

Wow.  I remembered looking at the barrier between our wing and the more critical wing.  I heard some pretty loud scary noises coming from over there, and, I saw one of the RNs come in from there one day in tears, just hysterical about something that had happened.  (I’m amazed they didn’t offer her some klonopin.  Hell, maybe they did!)  I realized right away that there really wasn’t much separating the two areas and that it was probably not the safest place to be.  

In short, THIS Is what the state of mental health “care” is at UBH Denton.  Richard Kresch should be ashamed of himself for owning such a hospital, and, if he is any kind of doctor he will clean the place up.  He can’t say he hasn’t been informed about the things that go on there, can he?

Another Lie From UBH Denton

It is DISGUSTING how misleading UBH’s parent company, Ascend Health, chooses to be. I just checked the Mayhill Hospital page…. http://www.mayhillhospital.com/ And they have the nerve to say they are “now locally owned.” What a crock. Ascend Health is “owned” by a conglomerate of big investors, and “run” by a doctor out of New York City named Richard Kresch. Any fool can see that with a cursory internet search. People continue to come out of the woodwork to contact me about their nightmares at UBH Denton… which “owns” Mayhill now. UBH is owned by Ascend. The end of the “locally owned” myth.

An Interesting Comment on the Blog…. We Saved Another One!

Well, perhaps “save” is too strong of a word. But read this comment posted a few days ago from a woman who almost went to work at UBH Denton:

“I am so disappointed right now. I am searching for a job in the mental health field in the metroplex and was thrilled to discover UBH’s website and the many job opportunities. The website makes it look like a perfect place with such special programs. Then I couldn’t help but be suspicious when looking more closely at the job listings. Why are there so many jobs in every aspect of the hospital? I feared the worst and a google search has confirmed my fears. My heart breaks reading the stories of you and the others posting here. Mental health and families are my passion and I mourn the traumatic experiences of people that are supposed to be cared for in places like UBH.”

You can see the original post here.

It never occurred to me when I started this blog that I might be saving someone from a career mistake.  I guess I always try to see the positive in everything, in spite of what happened to me at this place.  I recall two years ago a lot of things were going wrong with a closing on my house.  I arrived in my new town to find that the stupid mortgage broker didn’t get a mortgage for me.  With three U-Hauls loaded slap full, I discovered I had no place to live.  My poor mother doesn’t deal well with stuff like that, and she was kind of freaked out, but didn’t say anything at the time.  Later, after I was moved in and the house had closed and it was all mine, she confessed to me her anxiety over my situation:

“I just knew you shouldn’t have bought that house… you should have rented something first and then bought something later…”

I told her (from my new home, which was and still is FAB-U-LOUS!) and this was absolutely true:

“I never worried for a minute, and I didn’t let it bother me.  Mom, after you’ve been locked up in a mental hospital and threatened with a commitment hearing, and not really knowing if you’d ever get out, or when you’d get out?  You just don’t sweat the small stuff anymore.  I always know, no matter how bad things are in my life at the moment, they could be worse–I could still be in UBH.”  

She laughed and said, “I never looked at it that way.”

So, I guess I should thank Dr. Khan and Drunk Randy for my new outlook on life?  Maybe that was part of their so-called “treatment plan” all along?  “Hey, let’s just make our patients so damned miserable they vow to never come back here again!”

Nah… they’re not that smart.

Jeri’s Story

This is a really sad case from a hospital in Oregon. Of course, that hospital just happens to be owned by none other than Ascend Health Corporation. It sure seems like they are really getting good at holding people and making their situations worse than they were to start with!

http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2011/03/portland_womans_struggle_with.html

I AM COMPLETELY DISGUSTED!!!!

At one time there were two psychiatric and behavioral health hospitals in Denton, Texas: Mayhill Hospital and UBH Denton.  After my experience at UBH I knew several doctors and therapists who said they would never use UBH again (at least not unless some things changed there). 

And now, guess who owns Mayhill? The same Quack Shack company that owns UBH Denton! I got this little nugget of joy from here:

January 5, 2011
Ascend Health Opens New Hospitals in Arizona and Utah and Expands Operations in Texas

NEW YORK, NY — Ascend Health Corporation announced the opening of two new freestanding psychiatric hospitals as well as the acquisition of two freestanding psychiatric hospitals. All hospitals offer a full range of inpatient, day hospital and chemical dependency services.

…. In late 2010, Ascend acquired…Mayhill Hospital, a 60-bed psychiatric hospital, in Denton, TX.

How tragic for the people of that area.  I wonder if they’ll use the same “innovative approaches” that UBH Denton uses for patient care?