Washington, D.C.-based Howard University officials are investigating an incident involving three campus security guards mistreating a Howard University Hospital patient upon discharge from the facility, according to WJLA News.
A video shot by bystanders and obtained by WJLA News shows three campus security guards pushing an unidentified woman in a wheelchair down the sidewalk. The guard pushing the wheelchair stops, causing the woman to tumble out of the wheelchair and onto the ground. One of the guards allegedly tosses a bag beside the woman and walks away. The woman reportedly remains motionless on the sidewalk. No one comes to her aid in the video.
Officials told WJLA News the woman was treated for undisclosed medical issues at the Washington, D.C.-based hospital April 24.
D.C. Fire and & EMS reportedly arrived at the scene moments after the video was shot. The patient refused treatment, according to the report.
In a statement to WJLA News, Howard University Hospital CEO Jim Diegel said: "At Howard University Hospital, our highest purpose is the safety and well-being of every patient. The video is profoundly disturbing to watch and does not reflect our core values — dignity, compassion and respect for every single person that entrusts us with their care. It depicts procedures that we do not and will never tolerate.
The statement continued: "The actions taken after [the patient's] discharge, however, were a significant departure from the normal process … HUH took immediate action and launched a thorough investigation. The individuals involved in this incident have been removed from their duties pending the outcome of this investigation. We have already taken necessary actions to ensure an incident such as this never happens again. Those steps include appropriate training and a review of necessary disciplinary actions."