Latest news with #DignityHealth
The Independent
5 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
California hospital accused of losing bodies and failing to inform panicking families that their loved ones were dead
A California hospital system is under fire after a series of complaints which allege they lost bodies and failed to inform multiple families about the death of their relatives. Dignity Health is accused of 'callous, reckless, and outrageous failure' for not notifying families about their dead loved ones or issuing death certificates, SFGate reports. A 2022 health department audit, reviewed by SFGate, states one hospital, Mercy San Juan Medical Center, had significant failures when it came to processing the dead. Now, families are filing complaints against the California hospital system as they mourn their relatives. The family of Jessie Peterson filed a complaint against Dignity Health following her death in April 2023. The initial complaint was filed last year but has since been amended to broaden the scope when it was discovered more people may have been impacted. The complaint, shared with The Independent by the family's attorney Marc Greenberg, reveals Peterson, 31, died after she was admitted to Mercy San Juan Medical Center during a diabetic episode. Peterson's mother alleges that she was never contacted about her daughter's death, and that hospital staff incorrectly told her she had left against medical advice. Her family embarked on a year-long search, posting flyers and asking friends about her whereabouts, SFGate reports. The family finally found closure a year after her death, when police discovered Peterson's body at the Mortuary Support Services of Northern California. Her body was so badly decomposed that her family was unable to hold an open-casket funeral, SFGate reports. The decomposition also made it impossible for officials to conduct an autopsy to determine if there was any medical malpractice, the complaint states. The Peterson family isn't alone. The family of Tonya Walker, a 51-year-old, mother of four, reported her missing on November 10. She was homeless at the time, but her family told SFGate she kept in regular contact with them. The family was unaware that Walker had been admitted to a Dignity Health hospital on October 31, 2023 for low blood sugar, high blood pressure and high potassium levels. She died November 2, 2023. This led to a months-long missing person search. The family hung thousands of posters and offered a reward for information, SFGate reports. They didn't find her until May 31, 2024, when local police said they found Walker, according to the complaint. She was also at the Mortuary Support Services of Northern California. Now, Walker's family says Dignity Health never notified them about her death, and failed to issue a death certificate. When they found her in the morgue, they said her body was unrecognizable and it appeared her eyes and skin were removed, SFGate reports. The family's complaint states that Dignity Health 'unilaterally made the decision to make Ms. Walker an organ donor, and then without any permission whatsoever, harvested Ms. Walker's eyes and tissue.' An attorney for Walker's family, Rachel Fiset, told The Independent that the hospital 'knowingly and repeatedly violated their legal obligations.' 'The behavior has caused severe emotional distress beyond measure, particularly when coupled with what appears to be harvesting organs without authorization and storing dozens of unembalmed bodies in 'cold storage' for months, and even years, to decompose,' Fiset said. 'It's a gross disregard for human life and the dozens of cases suggest the actions were at the least reckless, if not intentional.' The family also named Mortuary Support Services of Northern California in their complaint. An attorney for the morgue's owner, Michael Lofton, told SFGate the company denies any liability related to the allegations. 'Obviously this is a very unfortunate situation; however, our client, Mortuary Support Services of Northern California, disputes that it has any liability in this matter and we intend to vigorously defend any claims against it,' the attorney said. 'However, as this matter is now in litigation, we cannot comment further.' Other Dignity Health patients have reportedly gone missing after their deaths. One unnamed patient went missing in 2023 after their body was picked up by an unknown person, SFGate reports, citing health department records. A spokesperson for Dignity Health declined to comment on the allegations to SFGate.
Daily Mail
08-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Heartbreaking story of lonely hospital patient who nobody knows or wants
A man found unconscious on a California street been lying in a hospital bed for more than three weeks and no one knows who he is, where he came from, or whether anyone is even looking for him. The unidentified patient, believed to be in his mid-40s, was rushed to St. Mary Medical Center in Long Beach on June 15. A chilling photo released by Dignity Health shows the man lying in a hospital bed, unconscious and hooked up to a breathing machine. He was found unresponsive near West Anaheim Street between Daisy and Pacific avenues. When he was found, he had no ID, no wallet, or documents. More than three weeks later, no friends, family, or acquaintances have come forward in connection to the patient. Not a single visitor has walked through the doors to ask about him. Hospital officials say the man is Hispanic and around 5ft 2in tall and weighs roughly 165 pounds. He has brown eyes, brown hair, and a brown and gray beard. The man does not have any tattoos or distinguishing marks that could help identify him. Officials have not revealed his medical condition due to privacy laws. It is unclear how critical his condition is at this time or if it is deteriorating as time goes on. The hospital is making a desperate appeal to the public to help identify the mystery man. Anyone who may recognize him or have any information is urged to call St. Mary Medical Center at 562-491-9381. There are thousands of unidentified patients who are admitted to US hospitals each year. Public hospitals like LA County+USC Medical Center can see up to 1,000 unidentified patients in a year. Last October, officials asked the public to help identify a seriously ill patient who was surviving on life support at a California hospital. Staff at the Riverside Community Hospital in the north of the suburb tried to put a name to the man who came through their doors on September 28, 2024. They have refused to say what is wrong with him or why he is attached to a ventilator, but have issued a photograph in the hope that someone can put a name to the face. 'Hospital Case Management and Social Worker teams have exhausted resources in attempting identification, including working with the Riverside Police Department,' managers said in a statement at the time. Dr. Chase Coffey, associate medical director of inpatient services at LA County, said such cases are common at the hospital, which is one of the largest in the country. However, he added that for a patient to remain at the hospital for five months without being identified is rare. He added that those patients are often either homeless, carrying false identification or may be undocumented. 'They could be trauma victims,' he explained.
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Keeping wellbeing top of mind this Men's Health Awareness Month
( — June is Men's Health Awareness Month, and Dignity Health St. Joseph's Medical Center is encouraging men to keep their physical and mental well-being top of mind. On average, women are projected to live about six years longer than U.S. men, according to a study by published by JAMA Internal Medicine. Cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr. Jamil joined FOX40 to share valuable insights from his practice that can help men lead healthier lives. Dr. Jamil emphasized the importance of men prioritizing their health in all stages of life. 'Sometimes patients, particularly men, tend to have certain attitudes that prevent them from utilizing all the benefits of modern healthcare,' said Dr. Jamil. He finds that his patients let their check-ups fall to the wayside when they are feeling well and showing signs of good health. 'No Vigilantes Act' introduced in an effort to identify federal ICE agents Yet Dr. Jamil recommends that men regularly visit their primary care doctors regardless of their age or overall health condition. Regular visits can help patients get further screenings, prevent oncoming disease or complications. You can learn more about men's health at Dignity Health St. Joseph's Medical Center by visiting Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
18-06-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Sacramento area hospital seeks help in identifying patient
Officials are asking for help in identifying a patient who was brought to a Sacramento area hospital without any sort of identification. Dignity Health says the man was brought to one of their hospitals back on June 14 after he was found on a sidewalk along Wrigley Circle in North Highlands. The man had no identification with him and apparently is unable to identify himself. Officials didn't state why the man has been unable to identify himself, nor have they released information on his condition. Photo of the unknown patient. Dignity Health Hospital officials say the man appears to be between 60-70 years old. A photo of him has also been released. Anyone who can help identify the man is urged to call Dignity Health at (916) 537-5000.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Dignity Health raises awareness on men's health and well-being
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — In recognition of Men's Health Month and the upcoming Father's Day holiday, Dignity Health is raising awareness about the importance of preventive care for men of all ages. Despite facing higher rates of chronic illness and mental health challenges, many men delay care that could help them live longer, healthier lives. Dr. Nadeem Goraya, family medicine physician, discussed the steps in prioritizing men's health and well-being. New data shows that 27% of health appointments made by men in 2024 were for someone else and went up dramatically from 5% in 2018. This shift reflects a growing awareness that caring for others starts with taking care of yourself. Dignity Health offers a full range of services tailored to men`s unique health needs, including: Annual wellness exams Heart and vascular screening Prostate and urologic health evaluations Mental and behavioral health support Chronic condition management Family and caregiver health resources Every man deserves a healthy future. For more information watch the full segment in the video player above. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
