I was at Jefferson Hospital with my sign and letters Friday morning from 8:00 am. until 12:00. I passed out over 50 and spoke to many people who were very supportive. There was the usual crowd of Jefferson employees who were ignorant towards me. There were however, a few employees who took the letters and listened to what I had to tell them. They know the truth and soon many more people will.
Thanks for all your support and keep passing on this message.
Hal, you're absolutely right. This is a terrible tragedy. We are proud that you have the courage to stand up for yourself and for others. Keep fighting and telling your story. The people responsible will eventually have to be held accountable for their actions.
ReplyDeleteBarb and Lew
Dear Hal,
ReplyDeleteI am a friend and colleague of your daughter, Jenna. I have been reading your blog and listening to her tell your tragic story. I am so horrified for the way you were treated at Jefferson Hospital. I wish that there was something I could do to help you!
As I read your story, I realized that my dad was in Jefferson right around the same time that you were there. In fact, he died at Jefferson at the hands of one of their "top docs" on May 3, 2006. He entered the hospital on May 1, 2006. He was an older man but so full of life, kindness... and he was the salt of the earth. He was in excellent health , but was in pain often and decided on a hip revision so he could be able to dance at his grandchildren's weddings. Years before he had 2 hip replacements and 2 knee replacements. Before his surgery, he had many tests on his heart to make sure he was up to this surgery. He was in great health as the tests would show! So we took him in to Jefferson on a sunny beutiful day in May. We all gave him a kiss as he went smiling off on the gurney. We all went into the waiting room and it seemed like a long time before they called us...There was a problem they said. They "nicked" the iliac vein and he had severe bleeding. He was now being treated as a trama victim, much like a person who had a gunshot wound. We were in shock! He needed many pints of blood, more than a body produces. Now a vascular doctor was called in and the surgery was not completed. He was dying. We just could not believe what had happened. We knew that there are always risks with surgery, the most common being infection. But we had no idea that he would eventually die from their mistake. We assume it was an intern who was allowed to begin this procedure on my dad, as the "top doc" looked on or perhaps was not even there at the time. He did not even have the decency to come to talk to us...the vascular doctor came down to explain what was happening. When I saw my dad later, he looked at me and I could tell he was scared and in pain. I lied and told him it was just a little glich and that he was going to be okay...I asked if he was in pain and he shook his head, yes. I told the nurses that my dad did not complain and that he needed something for the pain. That was the last time he was conscious. Another surgery was performed to try to help, but it was too late. He had lost too much blood. The next day we were all camped out and lined up in the waiting room. At about 11 or 12 in the afternoon, the "top doc" meandered n, saying he was sorry he was late but he had not been feeling well. Could you blame him? He had just helped to murder my father! My father died later in the night, actually the early morning hours on May 3, 2006. I lost the most wonderful father in the world...my stepmom lost her wonderful husband, my children lost their most wonderful grandfather and hundreds lost their cherished friend. My dad was the most charitable, kind, loyal, caring person and would do whatever he could for his family, friends and even those who he did not know. He was always proud of me and my family and not a day goes by that I don't miss talking to him and just hearing his upbeat voice. Everyone who had the priviledge of knowing him, loved "Stormin Norman". This "top doc" at Jefferson was careless and let this tragedy happen. So Hal, when I hear your story...I feel so badly for you and all that you have to endure. You should be very proud of your family for trying their best to help you get your story out there. Believe me, if my dad was here today, he would be trying to help you as well! I wish you will be able to find some relief with your pain and I only wish I could do more to help. I will pass your blog on to others.
Take care,
(Jenna's friend) Ilene