OIG IDENTIFIES STAFFING SHORTAGES IN HEALTHCARE SERVICES, RESULTS: ‘MEDICAL-CARE DELAYED OR DENIED.’
2/2024, Evaluation of Issues Surrounding Inmate Deaths in Federal BOP Institutions
9/26/2024, Inspection of the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ Federal Correctional Institution Lewisburg
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In March 2023, Thornhill received an 80-month federal prison sentence for drug-related offenses. While serving time in Idaho in 2022, he underwent a colonoscopy during which two polyps were removed. Following his stint in Idaho, he was transferred to SeaTac, the federal facility in Seattle, and more recently, he has been moved to the federal prison in Sheridan, Oregon. Alarmingly, since leaving Idaho, Thornhill has not consulted any doctors at SeaTac or Sheridan regarding the biopsy results of the polyps, and his health has remained stagnant. This lack of medical follow-up raises serious concerns about his well-being and the neglect of his healthcare needs during incarceration.
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**Competing Claims on Test Backlogs**
Thornhill requested an X-ray but claims that, despite assurances from Sheridan about resolving backlogs, there has been no improvement. He and around 100 inmates were called for X-rays but faced pressure to sign refusal forms, even those with broken bones.
Thornhill argues that prison staff created a hostile environment with excessive handcuffing, cramped confinement, and frozen meals to deter medical requests, aiming to lower the official count of X-ray requests. Months later, despite not signing refusal forms, he still has not received the necessary X-ray.
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We cannot change the staffing shortages nor the errors made by those overworked due to staff shortages. We can ensure that comprehensive PSR files are submitted, and where appropriate, judges are made aware of the status of your medication needs: Not Available or Non-Formulary and its impact on quality of life if not provided.
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A PHYSICIAN’S RECOMMENDATION:
A Detailed Medical Record and History Is A Must,
Together with Your Narrative Provided To Your Probation Officer 7-10 Days before your PSI, including all Medical Devices and medication prescriptions, is a great start.
Noting Which Are On-Formulary.
For those Non-Formulary, for each of the available BOP Drugs (drug-by-drug, which were ineffective for you, and why).
Then, for those Not Available: What is your plan?
YOUR MEDICAL RECORD NEEDS TO BE COMPREHENSIVE, AND WITH YOUR PERSONAL NARRATIVE, YOUR PROBATION OFFICER WILL EMBED IT INTO YOUR PSR, WHICH WILL INFLUENCE YOUR SENTENCE AND FUTURE.
Physician Presentence Report Service
Dr. Blatstein
240.888.7778
PPRSUS.com
WHITE-COLLAR, SENTENCE MITIGATION SOLUTIONS