Officials respond after patient is seen abandoned in front of hospital by security
Las Vegas (KSNV) — Shocking video of a woman being escorted out of a local hospital and then abandoned on the side of a street was caught on camera by a News 3 crew.
Take a look at this, you see two security guards carrying the woman from Valley Hospital Medical Center Friday afternoon.
After crossing the street, you see the guards laying the woman down on the sidewalk in front of UMC and then leaving.
Moments later, you see people gathered around her, and eventually, UMC Medical Personal tend to the woman.
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News 3 has just received a statement from UMC's CEO, Mason Van Houweling:
I am disgusted by the actions of Valley Hospital’s employees today. Watching the video of Valley Hospital personnel literally drag a patient, who was in their care, off of their campus and onto our campus at UMC is repulsive.
As health care professionals, and as human beings, we have a responsibility to care for everyone in our community, rather than disgustingly dragging them out to the sidewalk as if they are a bag of trash, as those at Valley Hospital did this afternoon.
I have often spoken with the leaders of the for-profit hospitals in town, including the leaders at Valley Health System, about their shameful history of “patient dumping,” and, because of the watchful eye of a media team at News 3, we now have this unfortunate proof that “patient dumping” occurs.
Because of the quick action, and compassion, of our team at UMC, this patient is now receiving Nevada’s highest level of care.
While I must respect our patient’s privacy, I can assure you that this patient will be discharged appropriately. Patients who seek care at UMC, and do not have a home to return to, receive detailed information about area shelters, along with transportation options to arrive at the shelter safely.
I truly appreciate my UMC team, and the bystanders, who ensured this patient was quickly cared for with the utmost kindness and respect.
Valley Health Systems also sent us a statement saying:
We have started an immediate internal investigation. The security officers, who are employed by a third party, will be immediately counseled.
No update on the woman's condition was provided by officials.
