The CEO of an Indiana hospital faces a backlash over a statement about the death of black doctor Susan Moore, who died of COVID-19 at the facility after filming a viral video about her treatment, reports ABC News.
Moore shared a video a few weeks before his death in which he claimed hospital staff had abused him because of the color of his skin. She says she was pushed to leave the hospital even though she still had symptoms.
“That’s how blacks are killed,” Moore said in the video. “When you send them home and they don’t know how to fight for themselves.”
“I presented and argue that if it were white, it shouldn’t go through that,” he added.
Indiana University Hospital President and CEO Dennis M. Murphy issued a press release on Dec. 24 in response to Moore’s death, writing that he was “deeply saddened” by what happened and “even more saddened by the experience he described in the video.”
Despite his expressed sympathies and his call for an external investigation, some activists accuse Murphy of “blaming the victims,” according to ABC News.
In the statement, Murphy wrote that staff worked hard to treat a “complex patient in the midst of a pandemic crisis” and that “he may have been intimidated by a knowledgeable patient who used social media to express his concerns and criticize the pandemic.” ‘attention they were delivering.’
Dr. Theresa Chapple, a black doctor and public health advocate, took to Twitter to express her concerns about the statement, and wrote that it made her feel “excited.”
I haven’t tweeted about Dr. Moore’s death, honestly, I’m still mourning Dr. Wallace’s death.
But after reading the hospital statement, I feel excited.
Nurses “may have been intimidated by a knowledgeable patient who used social media to express her concerns and criticisms.– Dra. Theresa Chapple (@Theresa_Chapple) December 27, 2020
Christie VanHorne, a New York-based public health advocate, echoed Chapple’s feelings.
“Honestly, it’s a disgrace to the medical profession to blame the victim and the nursing team,” he told ABC News. “To say that the nurses were intimidated by the patient is absolutely ridiculous when she was just trying to defend herself.”
Indiana University Hospital CEO Dennis Murphy said in a statement to The Hill that the comments in the press release “were intended to reassure our community of IU Health’s commitment to take their concerns seriously.” and investigate them fairly, in accordance with our values of compassion, excellence and purpose Since then, I have recognized that the words I have chosen do not reflect my intention, that is, to prevent anything like this from happening. again “.
Murphy said that in addition to an internal investigation, the hospital would also conduct a third-party review of its patient care protocols and procedures.
“Whatever the conclusions, we will own the results and take the necessary steps to maintain our commitment to equity and racial justice for our patients. And we will seek with seriousness and humility that our patients, staff, partners and local communities receive ongoing feedback on our progress, ”Murphy said.