|
|
| Nassau University Medical Center Faulted on Inmate Care |
| By Newsday |
| Published: 10/07/2002 |
|
The agency responsible for providing medical care to inmates at the Nassau jail has violated its contract with the county, according to officials who cite a recent consultant's report. The Nassau University Medical Center has violated a contract with Nassau County to provide adequate medical care to jail inmates, according to county officials, who cite a recent consultant's report saying the hospital is 'seriously deficient' in several areas. In a Sept. 26 letter to the hospital's counsel, county officials said they were 'shocked to learn' about the hospital's poor review by a physician hired by the federal government. The letter particularly cites concerns about the performance of the jail's medical director, James Neal, and says NUMC, which is run by a private corporation, has 'failed to meet the standards of care expected by the Department of Justice and the County.' The county has demanded that Neal be replaced immediately, citing the report's finding that he has failed to provide hands-on leadership. 'The buck stops with Dr. Neal. The criticism is so significant that we are insisting that a change be made and that Dr. Neal have nothing to do with delivery of medical care to the jail population,' William Cunningham, chief deputy county executive, said. Neal couldn't be reached for comment, but in a prepared statement, NUMC spokeswoman Shelley Lotenberg said the hospital was preparing a response to show the 'significant progress' that had been made and 'will continue to be made.' Cunningham said the county is awaiting a response from NUMC before it considers whether to break its contract with the hospital. 'It's a very serious matter and we want to hear the other side,' he said. Sheriff Edward Reilly agreed with the assessment of Neal, saying, 'We need someone who is going to lead and deliver and I have not seen that to date.' The report was issued last month by Dr. Robert Greifinger, a national expert on jail medical care. He was assigned to check compliance with a settlement reached earlier this year between the U.S. Justice Department and the county on inmate medical care. 'It is not clear this program is on the right track,' Greifinger said in the report, which was based on inspections of the jail's medical facilities and records. |
advertise
|
privacy policy
|
add URL
|
about us
|
terms/disclaimer
|
contact us
|
join our team
|
help
Comments:
No comments have been posted for this article.
Login to let us know what you think