Violation of Patients’ Rights
https://nbcmontana.com/news/local/lawsuit-says-state-hospital-violated-patient-rights
An organization, Disability Rights Montana, which represents the disabled in the courts of law in June 2019, successfully brought a claim against the Montana State Hospital regarding violation of a patients’ rights. The facts of the case indicate that the hospital staff had violated the rights of a mentally ill patient, Bragg Ryan, during response recovery action, which followed the breakage of a fire sprinkler by the patient.
The organization claims that the rights of Ryan Bragg were violated during the emergency. A video from the surveillance systems captured Bragg tackled on the floor by several hospital staff. The plaintiff said that those actions made him feel unsafe and uncomfortable. The nurses also cut off Ryan’s’ clothing because of the presence of flame retardant in the sprinkler that was already broken. The claimant also points out the presence of those retardants as a violation of patients’ rights because they are toxic to human beings.
Patients in all medical centers are entitled to several rights, which is the duty of all the hospital staff to observe; ensure not a single right is violated (Önal & Civaner, 2015). Countries have formulated rules, legislations, and standards that ensure patients are treated and cared for with the highest codes of ethics while in hospital wards. Generally, hospital wards or rooms of treatment should be safe, suitable, and comfortable for patient occupation (Önal et al., 2015). This is one reason why Montana State hospital should be held liable for Ryan’s’ claims of rights violation.
The existence of a flame retardant in sprinklers in the patient’s room was a violation of the patient’s safety rights. The occurrence of an even fire would endanger the lives of the victims due to the retardant. The hospital also violates the patient’s privacy and confidentiality rights when he is stripped off his clothes without his permission or explanation of why the staff was doing so (Srour, Marck & Baratti-Mayer, 2017). The act is also violent and forceful, which shouldn’t be the case. All patients should be engaged in all matters because otherwise, their rights of informed consent would be violated, as in this case.
In health centers, all patients should be entitled to humane treatment and proper medical care (Srour et al., 2017). Ryan was restrained and secluded as reported by his representative in court due to his mental condition and situation after being a suspect of criminal behavior. It was also inhumane to cut off Bragg’s clothes off his body against his will. He terms this act as completely inhumane, which its in real sense. The hospital should be responsible for the claims brought against them because of the availability of sufficient evidence to support them.
In conclusion, this case depicts a violation of various rights of patients in hospitals. As stated, the Disability Montana organization that represented Bragg, there is a need for reforming systems to enhance patient safety and protection.