The state Health Department has busted Coney Island Hospital for its inept treatment of a Brooklyn grandmother suffering from a brain infection who was kept restrained for hours in the emergency room by medical staff who mistakenly thought she was an emotionally disturbed person, the Daily News has learned.
State investigators cited the embattled hospital for six violations of the federal code of patient rights, specifically involving the issue of restraint, emergency services, and emergency services policies, according to a DOH document obtained by The News.
A complaint was filed with the state after the Feb. 1 death of Grisel Soto who was apparently suffering from meningitis, but was misdiagnosed in the emergency room as having a reaction to synthetic marijuana.
Soto, 47, was administered anti-psychotic drugs to sedate her, according to her husband, Jorge Matos who stayed by his wife's side for her last agonizing hours while she went into cardiac arrest five times.
“They tortured that woman,” Matos said. “They tied her up like an animal. I’m from Puerto Rico and I see how they tie up pigs and kill them and that’s the picture I give you.”
The city medical examiner's office is still awaiting the results of toxicology tests before issuing an official cause of death for Soto.
“The deficiencies in patient care suffered by Grisel Soto must be addressed immediately so that more lives of those who depend on city hospital facilities for medical care are not put at risk,” said lawyer Sanford Rubenstein, who intends to file a lawsuit on Matos’ behalf.
In March, Coney Island Hospital's executive director and chief nursing officer were replaced in the wake of Soto's death.
Health and Hospitals Corporation spokesman Ian Michaels said in a statement: "We aim to provide excellent, safe care to all our patients. A comprehensive and detailed plan has been implemented to address the State's concerns."
Michaels said he could not comment further on the problems found by the state DOH.
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