Hospital under investigation over death of patient found unresponsive on roof

State health officials and police are investigating the death of a patient who was found unconscious on the roof of Waukegan, Ill.-based Vista Medical Center East on Jan. 23.

A spokesperson for the Illinois Department of Pubic Health confirmed the investigation to Becker's on Jan. 29. 

"We are aware of the tragic situation at the hospital," the spokesperson said. "We are investigating the circumstances and have no further comment at this time."

The 28-year-old woman was admitted to the community hospital Jan. 22. She left her room around 2 a.m. on Jan. 23 and was discovered nearly seven hours later on the hospital's rooftop, unconscious and wearing only a hospital gown. Hospital staff transported her to the emergency department, where her body temperature was determined to be around 50 degrees. Staff attempted to resuscitate the patient for 14 hours, but she was pronounced dead around 11 p.m. that night.

Initial results from a Jan. 24 autopsy suggest the patient died of hypothermia as a result of cold exposure, according to Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek, MSN, CRNA. The Waukegan Police Department has also initiated an investigation into the patient's death due to the "unusual circumstances," the coroner's office told NBC 5 Chicago.

"We are devastated by the recent tragedy that occurred this past week and we extend our sympathy to the patient's family and friends," Kevin Spiegel, president and CEO of Vista Health System, said in a Jan. 29 statement shared with Becker's. "While we are unable to comment on any specific health information due to HIPAA, we can confirm that Vista reported the incident to state and regulatory agencies in a timely manner, and are cooperating fully with them, as well as local law enforcement."

Vista Medical Center has faced scrutiny over patient safety and operational challenges in recent months. In February 2024, the hospital temporarily lost its Level 2 trauma center designation for five weeks due to inadequate blood supplies and clinical staffing. Earlier this month, the hospital also furloughed 69 employees, including patient sitters, amid financial challenges. Mr. Spiegel said suggestions that recent layoffs or furloughs have compromised patient safety are "entirely unfounded and false." 

Glendale, Calif.-based American Healthcare Systems acquired Vista Medical Center, part of Waukegan-based Vista Health System, for $23.5 million in July 2023 in a purchase that came with existing debt. Since the takeover, Ms. Banek has accused the hospital of failing to meet financial obligations to vendors, clinical providers and the city of Waukegan for its water bill. The facility also owes $1 million in back taxes and has applied for a safety-net designation from the state of Illinois, according to Ms. Banek.

"Since at least December 2023, as the coroner of Lake County and as a nurse anesthesiologist who has previously cared for patients at Vista Medical Center East, I have voiced my concerns about the lack of care and safety measures in place at this facility," she said during a Jan. 27 media briefing. "American Healthcare Systems must be held accountable to provide safe, quality healthcare to Waukegan and its surrounding communities."

The coroner's office has ordered Vista Medical Center's leadership team and American Healthcare Systems to save all paper, video, digital and electronic evidence related to the patient's case.

Mr. Spiegel said it was "disappointing and unprecedented" that the Lake County Coroner's office held a news conference without the system's knowledge or opportunity to participate. He also accused Ms. Banek of having a "personal vendetta" and bias against the health system. The system has filed for an emergency injunction, seeking to have Ms. Banek removed from the investigation and replaced by an impartial party. 

"Vista expects a thorough, fair and unbiased investigation to be conducted in order to bring clarity and closure to this heartbreaking situation," Mr. Spiegel said. "This weighs heavily on all of us, and we are committed to doing everything we can to ensure transparency, accountability and healing."

Editor's note: This article was updated Jan. 29 at 5:15 p.m. CT.

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