LA City Attorney Files Lawsuit Alleging Hospital Dumped Patient On Skid Row

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com)  — City Attorney Mike Feuer Wednesday filed a lawsuit against Gardens Regional Hospital and Medical Center alleging a 38-year-old mentally ill patient was dumped on Skid Row.

Shortly before 12 p.m. on Sept. 4, 2014, a hospital van bearing the name "Tri-City Regional Medical Center" -- the former name of Gardens Regional Hospital -- dropped a homeless woman who suffered from schizophrenia and physical health problems in front of the Union Rescue Mission, the lawsuit alleges.

"Patient dumping is unconscionable and will not be tolerated in this city," said Feuer. "We're continuing to do everything we can to stop it."

According to Feuer, the woman was allegedly dressed in a hospital paper top and bottom, had no money or identification, and no arrangements were made to provide her with shelter.

The lawsuit goes on to allege she wandered aimlessly through Skid Row until help was finally found.

"Every patient, regardless of housing status, deserves to be treated with dignity and respect when he or she is discharged," Feuer explained.

According to the lawsuit, the hospital failed to provide the woman with proper discharge protocols and instructions for future care on at least five occasions between December 2013 and September 2014.

Feuer has sought an injunction against Gardens Regional Hospital and Medical Center, their offices, directors and employees to prohibit them from failing to provide proper discharge and aftercare plans for patients in addition to transporting and abandoning patients in their care.

Deputy City Attorney Will Pirkey of the City Attorney's Special Litigation Branch is handling the lawsuit.

Gardens Regional Hospital and Medical Center could face additional civil penalties of up to $2,500 for each violation.

The City Attorney's office previously settled three patient dumping cases in 2014 that were filed against Pacifica Hospital, Glendale Adventist, and Beverly Community Hospital.