Rep. Carpino Investigates Patient Abuse Allegations

HARTFORD, Conn. – State Representative Christie Carpino joined her legislative colleagues at the Legislative Office Building in October to call for a Public Hearing in response to the patient abuse scandal at the Whiting Forensic Institute and concerns raised about Connecticut Valley Hospital. In response, the Public Health Committee announced it will hold an Informational Forum on Monday, November 13, 2017, at 9:30 a.m. in Room 2C of the LOB regarding the operational practices and procedures of the Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services, Whiting Forensic Division of the Connecticut Valley Hospital. A public hearing will follow at 1:00 p.m.

“The allegations at issue truly embody inhumane treatment to very fragile individuals that are under our care. Patients in the State of Connecticut expect and deserve humane care. The abuse alleged has no place in today’s society and point to a toxic environment on campus,” said Carpino, a member of the Public Health Committee.

Representative Carpino has sought a variety of documents from the Department of Public Health, the DMHAS Commissioner, and the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights seeking additional information on the matter in preparation for the upcoming hearing.

Rep. Carpino continued, “We need to pinpoint the causes for this horrific systematic breakdown, which has endangered the lives of an already vulnerable population while they are being cared for in a state facility. In order to fully investigate and cure this situation, I view this public hearing as an opportunity for those who have been affected in any way to speak out or submit testimony.

“Tough questions need to be asked to those who oversee the day-to-day operations of such facilities. Any of us could have a family member or loved one under the guise of state care, which is why this issue is so far-reaching. Swift action must be taken to ensure this never happens again.”

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