THE ACCOUNTABILITY SERIES: Broken Patient Rights, Part 7
a.k.a. - The Holding OhioHealth Hospital Accountable Series
The Accountability Series is a call for change — a public record and a reminder that patients deserve to be heard. Healthcare accountability should be standard, not a battle that injured patients and their families are forced to fight, only to be dismissed and left to pick up the pieces alone.
Through this series, I’m opening a window into an ongoing campaign — it’s an invitation for hospital decision-makers to finally step up after more than four years of denying the abuse and injuries I sustained by one of their surgeons. I am drawing from my personal malpractice journey, yet it mirrors untold numbers of malpractice journeys where the injured have been and will be shut out and failed by rigid, inhumane brick wall systems.
OhioHealth is the responsible hospital corporation. I will address each email message to their “Leadership” teams, which includes their president and other top administrators. Copies may also be sent to employees, the media, lawyers, and patient advocates.
We’re all human, and injuries happen. Medical professionals need and deserve legal protection, but so do patients. This is about accountability and systemic reform, not a personal attack.
This is about addressing the imbalance of power and confronting hypocrisy.
Subject: Broken Patient Rights, Part 7 - 9/23/25
Dear OhioHealth Leadership Team:
What is your interpretation of a "right?"
What does your playbook say to do when rights are broken?
Who tells you to ignore your injured patients?
Red = rights that many of you and the surgeon broke
https://www.ohiohealth.com/patients-and-visitors/prepare-for-your-visit/patient-rights-and-privacy/
“Patient Rights and Privacy
Understanding your patient rights and responsibilities helps you and your healthcare team manage your care
There is no such thing as a dumb question as far as your health is concerned. You have a right to know and understand. You have a right to express your concerns, doubts and fears, and to be heard.
OhioHealth is committed to honoring the following patient rights:
Cultural, psychosocial, spiritual and personal values, beliefs and preferences
Confidentiality, privacy and security
Support services, such as interpreter
Full information about outcomes of care, treatment and services, so that you can make the best decisions
Active participation in your care, treatment and service
Living wills, power of attorney documents and other advance directives
Ethics consultation
The right to complain (this one cracks me up)
Organ donation
The right to refuse treatment
Information about benefits, discomforts, alternatives and other details, if you are participating in experimental research
Respectful care supporting personal dignity
Impartial access to treatment
Knowing the identity of the practitioner primarily responsible for your care
Reasonable response to your requests and needs for treatment
Comfort and dignity in the treatment of your illness
Billing, financial aid and charge information when requested
Adequate assessment and treatment of pain
The right to be free from abuse, neglect and exploitation
Protective and advocate services
To designate and receive visitors, including but not limited to a spouse, domestic partner (including a same-sex domestic partner), another family member or a friend. Also have the right to withdraw or deny consent of a visitor at any time.”
Liz Florentino, Survivor on a Mission
Patient Rights Advocate
Author of Angels, Bullies, & Brick Walls: Lessons from Surviving Medical Malpractice