COMMENTARY - Lakeview: A Problem in Mt. Washington Valley

COMMENTARY
Mike Corthell

Lakeview Effingham, New Hampshire - Beautiful views
but this spectacular vista hides alleged human neglect and abuse.

 A few years ago this editor worked as a supervisor at Lakeview Neurorehabilitation Hospital in Effingham, New Hampshire. In late 2012, I helped 'blow the whistle' on this for profit healthcare corporation. At the time there was a flurry of press coverage and even a feature news segment on WMUR Ch. 9.

This important story has been largely forgotten by most but I know for a fact that little has changed at this facility that specializes in the care and treatment of brain injured persons. I regularly get phone calls and emails from the families of patients there asking for my help.

This morning I received a a plea for help from an elderly woman who's son is a Lakeview patient. Here is a snippet of her email:

  I brought my son home on LOA (every other weekend) and have not and will not return him to Lakeview in spite not having that authority to do so.. His shoulder was broken on (redacted) and in spite of his requests to be taken to the hospital he was ignored and denied treatment..  I offered to drive there to bring him for a X-ray and was told by staff this would be done.  It was not.  I also reported to 3 different staff he was sleeping on his floor in this condition.  This too was ignored and without intervention as there is either no communication amongst them or  just playing stupid as no one seems to knows or cares.  I brought him to the doctors on (redacted)  This is one week without medical attention. 

What this Lakeview patient's mother is describing here is the same type of incident that I witnessed over and over again. It appears to be endemic at Lakeview. 

This Lakeview patient (left) asked the editor several times to help him find another facility and claimed that Lakeview kept him against his will. He claimed that he was habitually ignored by his case manager. He even agreed to be interviewed by a reporter so that his story could be told. He was interviewed but the interview has yet to be published.

  Many politicians and business people in the Mt. Washington Valley have turned a blind eye to this despicable, disgusting 'problem' - that in itself is disgusting but it is the nature of things in a community not to wanting to highlight the negative. BUT want is going to happen when the shit finally hits the proverbial fan? (and it will, I can assure you). A lot of ass-covering, that's what.

Jobs are important to our area but what about human suffering and death(yes, patients have died there - some say from neglect).

Lakeview Healthcare, just in Effingham, NH employs around 400 to 500 people. Do we want to lose these jobs? Of course not. They can be saved - either by Lakeview turning over a new leaf or by turning the facility over to a non-profit that will care for its patients properly.

Do you love the Mt. Washington Valley? Do you love people? Do the right thing my friends, don't let this abuse and mismanagement continue in Effingham.