park royal hospital lawsuit

9241 Park Royal Drive Fort Myers, FL 33908-9204. 7:00 AM on Apr 29, 2019 CDT The Forest Park Medical Center federal bribery and kickback trial in Dallas resulted in landmark convictions against the hospital's managers and doctors. "And, you know, I don't weigh all that much. But the lack of video was labeled as an inconsistency in the accuser's claims. The third accuser underwent electroshock therapy in the days before and after making the claims. FL It wasn't until two months later, when two women with no connection to the three initial accusers, accused Bland of engaging in sex acts with them. Already recommended them to others in the same circumstances, their staff speaks Spanish and you feel like in family., Very Professional law firm. In a deposition with lawyer Dennis Webb, Park Royal Hospitals then-human relations director, Robert Raynor, testified that Nickiesh Gordon vouched for Benjamin Blands job performance at Winkler Court, a Fort Myers medical facility. In 2013, another staff member was arrested and sentenced to five years in prison for sexually assaulting several women at Park Royal Hospital. The victims seemingly preventable death is just the latest in what appears to be a pattern in a lack of oversight at Park Royal Hospital. Another allegation about a false statement was levied against Raynor, the hospital's human relations director. In November, a federal report criticized patient care at the 114-bed facility saying it was too short-staffed to properly supervise patients and often ignored patient complaints. The hospital's attorney in Tampa, Kevin Richardson, said the hospital does not comment on pending litigation. Address. Webb: If Mr. Raynor testified that he spoke to you and that you told him you had worked with Mr. Facsimile: 407-770-6066, 6750 N. Andrews AvenueSuite 200 Seven former adult patients, all identified as Jane Does to hide their identities, claimed that the abuse took place at the hospital between May and September 2013. 'There were definitely some problems, some systemic problems, at that facility,' Webb said. Fort Myers, All rights reserved. The patient had been admitted for depression with psychosis and had expressed suicidal thoughts, according to the lawsuit. Two other civil cases involving Bland were resolved without trialslast year. If you already subscribe to this publication, just log in. NBC2, Park Royal employee accused of sexual assault against patients, September 2013: A healthcare worker tasked with taking care of the mentally ill is now accused of inappropriate acts with his patients. The Pendas Law Firm sends its thoughts and prayers to the victims family. 05/27/2023 Management at Park Royal Hospital in Fort Myers, Florida, is complicit in holding people with 'good' insurance longer than they need to be held. entire article. Brianne Vanbuskirk. Ocala, Reed v. Jackson Hospital and Clinic, Inc., Park Royal, located in south Fort Myers, is Lee Countys only inpatient psychiatric health center and one of the community's two designated receiving facilities for people taken in for involuntary mental health evaluation under Floridas Baker Act. They also note that the Sheriff's Office didn't believe there was probable cause to make an arrest after the initial reports. 33134, Phone: 844-200-0000 I'm not that strong. Counseling. On May 6, 2019, Park Royal Hospital (Park Royal), Fort Meyers, Florida, entered into a $52,414 settlement agreement with OIG. How a Fort Myers mental hospital missed warning signs about employee who sexually Seven former adult patients, all identified as Jane Does to hide their identities, claimed that the abuse took place at the hospital between May and September 2013. After his release from prison, which is set for May 2018, Bland will serve up to five years of probation and remain a registered sex offender. FL Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. State says Park Royal Hospital improperly denied treatment. Mental health hospital employee accused of sexual misconduct with patients, Park Royal Hospital sexual abuse lawsuit settled. Last name field cannot be Families of wrongful death victims may be entitled to substantial compensation for the loss of their loved one if the death was caused by someone elses negligence. Webb: And what is your testimony that what Nurse Gordon told you about Mr. Blands suitability for employment? Our lawyers serve the Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando, Fort Myers, Tampa, and Jacksonville areas. The crime was reportedTuesday after the victim showered and found the condom. This case was filed in Collier County Courts, Not Mike Ham, the CEO of Park Royal Hospital, did not respond to an interview request on Friday. 67 reviews from Park Royal Hospital employees about Park Royal Hospital culture, salaries, benefits, work-life balance, management, job security, and more. Reed wasn't asked about the discrepancy during his deposition, and he declined to comment when reached by phone Thursday. Two other civil cases involving Bland were resolved without trials last year. Melbourne, Michele Skrmetta, LMHC. In June of 2016, the health center settled a lawsuit brought by seven former patients who alleged sexual abuse took place between May and September of 2013 by an employee named BenjaminBland. Deputies say Benjamin Bland sexually assaulted five people at Park Royal Hospital. 0 Ratings. Webb: Do you ever remember Mr. Raynor asking you about whether or not Mr. 0 Ratings. Facsimile: 754-703-7227, 4244 Evans AvenueSuite A Auto accident involving tractor trailer. Gamez didn't independently review the video, relying only on Reed's word and a seconds-long clip Reed showed him as a sample of the tape. $550,000. He has written for the Daily News since 2011, covering topics ranging from police to politics to education. He also stated the hospital conducts a "full investigation" of abuse and neglect policies. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Florida Hospital Settles Case Involving Patient Dumping Allegation, Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control Program Report, Special Fraud Alerts, Bulletins, and Other Guidance, Special Advisory Bulletin and Other Guidance. "I do remember him telling me, 'I watched countless hours of video and I can't find him going inside,'" Gamez testified. The hospital's attorney in Tampa, Kevin Richardson, said the hospital does not comment on pending litigation. At the time, medical staff noted that she appeared to be psychotic, delusional, paranoid and at risk of hurting herself or others, the suit claims. Another accuser, Reed said, "came off to me that day as being someone who just wanted to belong." More: Park Royal Hospital sexual abuse lawsuit settled. Based on the insurance information, and bed availability, they will accept or refer the patient to another facility., Park Royal Hospital plans $1.8 million expansion. All information provided through this site, including without limitation all information such as the look and feel of the site, data files, graphics, text, photographs, drawings, logos, images, sounds, music, video or audio files on this site, is owned and/or licensed by SCCE & HCCA or its suppliers and is subject to United States and international copyright, trademark and other intellectual property laws. Kevin Lewis out as SalusCare chief; interim CEO named, Tina Sumo, assistant vice president for acute care services at SalusCare, said the facility is at capacity "more times than not.". So, (I) just kind of tried to say that I didn't want that, and then tried to just, you know, deal with it kind of.". "I act like I'm strong and I survive," Mary Doe II said, "but the truth is I'm not.". In July 2013, three female patients at Park Royal Hospital, an inpatient, 103-bed psychiatric and substance abuse center, came forward with allegations against Bland. (Photo: Sarah Coward/The News-Press), PHOTOS: County Commissioners square off at forum, Collier commission candidates clash over fracking. blank! The customer service is unique, they have been battling alongside me since day 1. A Park Royal Hospital patient reported a sexual assault at the psychiatric facility after she found a used condom inside her. But he said the woman was too impaired to give consent. Phone Number. I cant express how much I appreciate this law firm. But in her deposition with Webb, Gordon denied ever having a conversation with Raynor about hiring Bland. A lawsuit claiming that another former Park Royal employee, Anthony Guarino, abused a patient is still pending. The defendants presented experts in nursing and wound care. Connect with this reporter: @FrankGluck (Twitter), Park Royal Hospital plans $1.8 million expansion, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. More: Park Royal Hospital patient care deficiencies highlighted in federal inspection report, Patient sues Park Royal Hospital for alleged sex abuse, Park Royal Hospital sexual abuse lawsuit settled, Park Royal Hospital patient care deficiencies highlighted in federal inspection report, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Taken together, the filings raise questions about whether the assaults on several women who suffered from drug addiction, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and other illnesses, and some of whom had been raped in the past could have been prevented. The hospital agreed to pay $52,414, according to its civil monetary penalty settlement with the HHS Office of Inspector General. Park Royal Hospital in Fort Myers, Florida, agreed to settle allegations of violating the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) when it refused to accept the transfer of a suicidal patient because the patients insurance was out of network. The 103-bed Park Royal, which is owned by the Franklin, Tennessee-based Acadia Healthcare, admitted no wrong-doing, according to the plaintiffs attorney, Dennis Webb. Social Work. Death resulting from hospital turning away patient. In those depositions, Raynor is accused of lying about his screening of Bland, and the hospital's internal investigator is accused of missing or lying about a key piece of video evidence. Despite filling out a living will and hinting at suicide in the days preceding his death, the 51-year-old Massachusetts man was allowed to go unsupervised by his caseworker. "But we made decisions based on the best information we had available at the time.". "There were definitely some problems, some systemic problems, at that facility," Webb said. The 38-year-old woman, identified as Elizabeth Doe, was admitted Sept. 5, 2014, under Floridas Baker Act, according to the lawsuit. Chris Hansen, the hospital's director of business development, said administrators may not comment on pending legal cases. On 01/10/2023 Bergaoui, Moulidi filed a Personal Injury - Medical Malpractice lawsuit against Park Royal Hospital Elite Dna. In that case, a 36-year-old former patient accused Guarino, an administrative employee, of inappropriately touching and forcing her to engage in oral sex during her February 2013 hospital stay. Mr. Danilo Cruz is the best Lawyer and his team. I am glad I decided to use their services, Their attorneys are absolutely someone you want handling your car accident claim. Name of Hospital: Park Royal Hospital Location: Fort Myers, FL, USA Articles. The compassionate and dedicated wrongful death lawyers of the Pendas Law Firm understand the emotional turmoil families may face following the loss of a loved one. Highly recommended professionals. NBC2, Park Royal employee accused of sexual assault against patients, September 2013: A healthcare worker tasked with taking care of the mentally ill is now accused of inappropriate acts with his patients. "I was moving on with my life, and I thought I was getting help," one accuser, identified as Mary Doe II, said in a February deposition. Alex Blanchard heard her 5-year-old sons piercing screams even before paramedics wheeled him into the hospital room. Linda Kelley, LMHC. Police investigators said Blands offenses included masturbating in front of a patient, sexual contact with patients andrequests for sex. The Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics (SCCE) & Health Care Compliance Association (HCCA) uses the information you provide us to contact you about our relevant content, products, and services. All rights reserved. Attempts to reach Chris Hansen, the hospital's director of business development, were unsuccessful Wednesday evening. We're committed to your privacy. There was no reason for Park Royal not to accept the transfer, says OIG Senior Counsel Geeta Taylor. In his deposition, Raynor testified that before hiring Bland, he asked two Park Royal Hospital employees about Bland. Alex is now suing the hospital. Park Royal Hospital provides advanced behavioral health treatment services on both an inpatient and an outpatient basis, treating adult and geriatric patients for depression, anxiety and mood disorders, memory issues, post-traumatic stress disorders and co-occurring mental health and substance abuse issues. Connect with this reporter: @FrankGluck (Twitter). Tampa, In response, an action plan was developed, yet it appears the staff fell short once again. But depositions and evidence discovered in the past two years reveal shortcomings on both fronts. Former patients of Park Royal Hospital, Lee Countys only inpatient psychiatric health center, have settled a lawsuit over a former employee accused of sexually abusingthem. She claims that Guarino fondled her againin September of that year, after she had beenbrought in for involuntary mental health evaluation under Florida's Baker Act. This failure resulted in a delay in treatment of transferring patients, the agency concludes. Bland is serving time at Liberty Correctional Institution in Bristol after pleading guilty in 2014 to two counts of sexual abuse of a disabled adult. Direct Line: 239-334-1010 It had the capability and capacity to accept the transfer, she says. Any third party logos and/or content provided herein is owned by such third parties and is used by permission herein. Bland did work for Dollar Tree, but he was fired for theft and accused of sexual harassment. Former patients of Park Royal Hospital, Lee Countys only inpatient psychiatric health center, have settled a lawsuit over a former employee accused of sexually abusing them. Daniel fought for me til the end and got me what I deserved. Facsimile: 561-425-9766, Business Interruption Insurance & COVID-19, Business Owners & Hurricane Insurance Claims. Bland with his previous employers was a reliable employee or not? In developing and maintaining effective ethics and compliance programs, our members strengthen and protect their companies. For some of the victims, the abuses have compounded deep mental health issues. September 13, 2019 $30 Million Jury Verdict for Punitive Damages in Medical Centers Negligence and Failure to Provide Life-Saving Surgery by Robert Kreisman Johnny Terrell Sledge, 24, suffered a gunshot wound to his back. Tag Archives: Park Royal Hospital. 25). Park Royal is a for-profit hospitaloperated by the Franklin, Tennessee-based Acadia Healthcare Co. Fort Myers-based SalusCare operates Lee County other Baker Act facility, which has a 30-bed unit. The hospital's staff also didn't contact anybody from Dollar Tree Inc., where Bland said he was an assistant manager from 2008 to 2011. Raynor: Again, had there been any red flags then we would have -- as a very reliable source we would not have -- we would not have hired if that was the input that we received. PARK ROYAL HOSPITAL is a medical group practice located in Fort Myers, FL that specializes in Counseling and Social Work. "And I was in an institution that was supposed to be giving me help, and all it did was set me back.". Thanks Daniel and your team for always being there to answer any of my questions. The events alleged in the lawsuits took place before Ham came to the hospital. Park Royal Hospital is Lee County's only inpatient psychiatric hospital and has been plagued by claims of sexual assault at the south Fort Myers facility. I can only say they are exceptional. One patient said Bland sexually assaulted her in a bathroom. Had Park Royal Hospital's staff talked to Kirwan, they would have learned Kirwan never employed Bland and didn't have any family members with bipolar disorder. I dont know when he was hired. It's also clear that Bland's job application wasn't thoroughly vetted. Mike Ham, CEO of Park Royal Hospital, did not respond to several requests this week to talk about the AHCA report. On 01/10/2023 Bergaoui, Moulidi filed a Personal Injury - Medical Malpractice lawsuit against Park Royal Hospital Elite Dna. Webb, who is also the attorney for the plaintiff in that case, would not say if itis expected to also be settled out of court. The woman told her boyfriend about the incident when he came to visit her hours later, according to her attorney Dennis Webb. I believe this is done But several weeks before the settlement, Webb filed several depositions in the court record. Our members include compliance officers and staff from a wide range of organizations, including hospitals, research facilities, clinics and technology service providers. Fort Lauderdale, A third patient, a recent valedictorian at a Collier County high school, said Bland entered her room and forced himself on her. The News-Press 0:00 0:37 Mike Ham, the CEO of Park Royal Hospital in south Fort Myers, has stepped down after about 2 years in the post. Efforts to reach Raynor were unsuccessful. Seven former adult patients, all identified as Jane Does to hide their identities, claimed that the abuse took place at the hospital between May and September 2013. If not, let us send you an email with a link that will allow you to read State regulators say Park Royal Hospital wrongly denied treatment to three patients needing emergency psychiatric care becausethey held out-of-network health insurance. "I don't know anything else about him.". 34103, 605 E. Silver Springs Blvd. A lawsuit claiming that another former Park Royal employee, Anthony Guarino, abused a patient is still pending. On May 6, 2019, Park Royal Hospital (Park Royal), Fort Meyers, Florida, entered into a $52,414 settlement agreement with OIG. The facility settled 11 civil lawsuits over the incident and is currently facing another claim, alleging yet another staff member abused a patient. "Her insight and judgment were both deemed fair to poor," it notes. Providers. The patient presented to that hospital's emergency department following a suicide attempt and was diagnosed with lacerations to the wrist and an emergency psychiatric condition. Preferred Fort Myers Mental Health & Psychiatric Inpatient Hospital | Park Royal Hospital Admissions Insurance & Payment Information Campus Tour Our Programs Adult Inpatient On his rsum and job application, Bland stated he worked as a home health aide for a Fort Myers client with bipolar disorder, listing the name of the client's daughter, Kalie Kirwan, as his supervisor. 32904, 2332 Galiano StreetSuite 205 Naples, 11, 2019, 4:37 p.m. They communicated with us promptly and thoroughly. Between January 2018 and February 2020, more than 1,000 lawsuits were filed by 28 hospitals in 62 Texas counties, according to a sweeping new analysis of hospital financial They didn't know Bland lied on his rsum, falsely claiming he worked as a home health aide for 19 months. 2023 www.news-press.com. They explained to you every detail what to do according to the laws (workers compensation). Yet in depositions, those two employees testified they had never met Bland until he started working at the hospital. The guidance addresses capacity and transfers, among other things. At trial, the Reed family attorneys presented experts in nursing and infectious disease. I dont know anything else about him. Following Bland's arrest, the hospital's CEO, Michael Evans, issued a statement saying "every employee at the hospital undergoes a comprehensive pre-employment screening and background check." Facsimile: 352-414-5981, Phone: 844-200-0000 When Landers finally did check on the patient, he found the victim unresponsive. A second patient said Bland forced her to touch his genitals in a closet. Facsimile: 813-982-3037, 500 South Australian Ave.Suite 616 Mr. Webb handled both cases referenced in the article related to Park Royal Hospital. After Bland's arrest was publicized in the media, six more women came forward to say they were abused by Bland while at the hospital.

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