Testimony of P.D.
in front of Joint Committee on Mental Health & Substance Abuse 9-23-09
On August 18, 2009, I was an inpatient on the psychiatric unit at Beth Israel-Deaconess Hospital. There was a problem with the central air conditioning during the heat wave, and the temperature on the unit became intolerably hot, especially in the dining area. Other patients were losing it, and they were put in restraint s and seclusion as a punishment for getting angry about the unbearable heat.
We were not allowed off the units, so we couldn’t go outside for fresh air or to sit under a shady tree. Being in close quarters without air conditioning on a hot day made tensions rise. I think being allowed to go outside and go for a walk would have really lessened the tension among the patients and the staff.
The regular phones on the unit were not working properly-I know this is a violation of my right to make and receive phone calls. I was not allowed to have my cell phone-this is allowed at some hospitals, and it should be a right. Calling supporters on the outside would have been very helpful in this awful situation.
The supply of snack foods was not replenished by the staff. There was not enough for everyone.
The days that I spent in the hospital felt like I was in a concentration camp. My mental health worker in the community urged me to go to the hospital for what turned out to be overly high blood pressure. I knew I wasn’t feeling well and the worker urged me to go into the psychiatric ward for "a few days rest". This hospitalization at Beth Israel was certainly not restful!
I filed a human rights complaint with Beth Israel Deaconess Inpatient Psychiatric Services, but the name and number for the human rights officer was not posted. This also must be a violation of patients’ rights.