A 93 Year-Old Woman's Story About Lakewood's "ER"

[Lori Allen _]

A friend of our family's lives at a senior facility here in Lakewood. She is 93 years old. She woke up one day a few weeks ago with a numb leg, hand, and foot. A friend encouraged her to call 911 because she was afraid it may be a stroke. She called 911. The paramedics decided she needed transport. She specifically told the paramedics that she wanted to go to Fairview and not to Lakewood supposed "ER", as her treatment at Lakewood's new ER had not been good in the past. The fire department denied her request and took her to Lakewood's supposed "ER" anyway. I recall being told at a community meeting that patients could be transported to a facility of their choice. When our family friend got to Lakewood, she reported that they were not very repsonsive to her needs. Eventually, an MRI of her brain was ordered. A while later, the nurse came in and said that the MRI machine was broke, and that another ambulance had been called to take her to Fairview via Donald Marten & Sons (another $750 charge plus another ER visit charge). She went to Fairview and had the MRI completed, where it was discovered that she indeed had a stroke.

After a few days, our family friend was discharged and was told that she could not drive until she saw a Cleveland Clinic neurologist. Our family friend went home and called a CCF neurologist's office. She was informed that the next available appointment with the neurologist was not until four weeks later. She was instructed that she MUST go to Cleveland Clinic - Avon for therapy. Our family friend informed the office staff that she had no transportation and was ordered not to drive. They told our family friend that she would have to find a way, because she can only go to Avon. To this day, our family friend has not been able to get her therapy, as she has not been able to find transportation to Avon.

Isn't there physical therapy at the YMCA? What about Fairview? What about Fairview Wellness Center on Wooster Road? Why did it have to be Avon? Drumming up business? Isn't this denying needed services by demanding that they go to Avon?

Our family friend ended up receiving no physical therapy and had to drive herself, against doctor's orders, to her neurologist appointment. Thankfully, she is on the road to recovery.

The Cleveland Clinic strikes again. They are very lucky she did not perish in their hands. Our family friend was well over the golden hour by the time she arrived at Fairview. Yes, there is such a thing. Ask Dr. Kilroy.

P.S. Where is our magical mobile stroke unit?

Stayed tuned for our, according to public records, fire chief with a 9-year expired paramedic license to give his medical opinion.

[Lori Allen _]

Mr. Mike Summers, care to comment on why you appear to be putting Lakewood stroke victims at risk? Please Mr. Mayor, and ONLY Mr. Mayor!
I don't expect to get an answer. He appears to not be able to tell the truth! What if this were your mother? Father?