12 minutes reading time
(2350 words)
My beloved Father did not have to die this way
Regarding Edward LeGault — pg. 1 of 3 (LETTER TO THE JOINT COMMISSION)
Regarding Edward LeGault's treatment at Hartford Hospital from 12/24/2021 to 1/5/2022:
I was "supposedly" involved in deciding on his care. I have notes, as well as his wife, and we both kept daily notes. However, my requests were mainly not taken into real consideration. They were ignored, denied, and even scoffed at. I was on the HIPAA list. He did NOT test positive for COVID on any of these days.
I have finally received most of his medical record (possibly not even the entire thing) but as much as I could get after many attempts. I did not receive any X-rays or imaging other than what you see in the 1300-page doc (a few thermal topical images only). The file is not in chronological order, and their system lists treatments and medications in some sort of categorical way which I do not understand.
I had already put in a grievance with the hospital, and they replied 6 weeks later with their non-informative response, not supplying important information that I requested, only basic auto-response replies I heard in the hospital.
I am in the process of submitting this letter to Medicare/Dept. of Health and Human Services, State Medical Board, and State Attorney General. Plus, seven other agencies! I'm having a hard time finding the right team to review this because he was deemed "COVID related." He had COVID approximately 21 days before he ended up at the hospital due to extreme fatigue and shortness of breath. He was technically over COVID, testing negative multiple times at both hospitals (he was originally at Manchester Hospital for a few hours, then transferred by ambulance to Hartford due to "irregular heart issues").
He went into the hospital with major fatigue and shortness of breath. Things seemed to be improving for 5/6 days, then something changed dramatically, and when he was put on bi-pap on 12/31 (I asked what model it was and what the setting was for Bi-pap because there appears to be a recall on certain models which had issues), it seemed to go downhill even faster, quickly followed by ventilation about 12 hours after that at 4:30 am on Jan. 1. He spent five days on a ventilator with different antibiotics damaging many of his organs, as they could not find the source of the "infection" they suspected right after they ventilated. Although they were trying several antibiotics and culture tests, they still denied my requests to try certain things noted below*. His body was so damaged on the 5th day on the ventilator; in addition, they said they could not control his heart rhythm (failing) and also told of multi-organ failure. We decided to stop the damage and let him go peacefully (also to learn of such terrible details about him being very agitated the last 5 days by his medical notes). His wife was denied the request to speak with a family member (wife called) prior to being ventilated, and the phone call was denied. And more heart-wrenching notes.
One doctor even refused to take the info I printed and brought to the hospital out of my hand for her to look at. When I tried getting the patient advocate involved, it was no help in getting info or treatments I wanted; however, she did make a note in my file that I was trying to ask for blood work and treatments to help his organs recover from what they were doing.
So although it was "deemed COVID pneumonia," he did not test positive for COVID or pneumonia. I believe that it's more about mishandling his treatments and denial of treatments that could have helped. On another note: his death certificate appears also to be filled out improperly based on the CT regulations and descriptions of what death should actually be attributed to and in what order. This may be of significance because if they are saying he died of COVID, then "their treatment" was right, but if he died of other causes, the treatment or lack of treatment was not helping.
They (Hartford Hosp.) went full steam ahead with their "COVID protocol" without any regard to what I was requesting or trying to explain, which included some proven post-COVID/long COVID treatments for damaged lungs, as well as EU (emergency use) authorized treatments, and some additional treatments that would have been non-invasive to try like high dose IV Vitamin C (or Marik protocol treatments), plasma (I offered mine, but they did not even know his blood type and would not test it to find out, even though I requested it; they said "we aren't doing that plasma treatment for COVID"). All were denied. Some doctors listened and ignored my requests, and the common response to most requests was "we don't do that for COVID."
There are MANY things, in my opinion, that contributed to his death, and many could have been avoided. Reviewing other similar cases, I don't believe he had to die like this. One example: When he was intubated, he somehow punctured a hole somewhere in the mediastinum, which consequently caused his lung to collapse and started a continuous pocket of air/gas build-up in his chest and neck, which was never remedied. Not something that had to happen or should have happened to a person struggling to breathe.
There is also confusion concerning the time period from when he appeared to be improving (12/25-27) and was being informed of what to expect when released (we received calls about home nursing visitation care & physical therapy) to being put on bi-pap (12/31) and quickly onto a ventilator at 4:30 am on 1/1, with some unclear procedures, treatments, medications, and disturbing happenings in those two days. "Emergency Flo record" pg. 1328 is confusing with scribbled-out information. His wife was denied speaking with him before being ventilated, even though he had asked for a moment earlier to a nurse, who called his wife. This will haunt us for the rest of our lives.
Pg. 2 of 3
When he could still speak, prior to 12/31, he kept saying it "wasn't a good idea" for us to visit after having conversations with staff. He told us several times not to come in because they said it was not a good idea. He was not COVID positive on any test, and other tests were negative as well for infections. Although we were speaking by phone, it was difficult to reach him for updates; his phone was not working all the time.
*Regarding the "Influenza VAC Split Quad injection," which we were not told about at all during his stay. The record stated: Ordered, "in process" on 12/27 electronically signed by Sarah P., nurse 12/27/21, authorized by Meredith B., nurse. Package number 58160-887-41. "In process." Also, there's a note of some patient education by EW_. on 12/27, 12/28, & 12/29. There is no information on the lot # or where the injection was given. This was not ever discussed with his wife or myself (daughter Wendy) during his stay. I only saw this when I finally received his medical file, way after his death. We would like an absolute answer on this
with proof of where that package # went. The hospital grievance reply and director of patient advocacy relayed "it was not given," but I have no other backup evidence it was not given; all the notes appear to lean towards it being given.
They also said they would not give me the "COVID protocol" they were treating him with in writing. I asked for it via the grievance letter and reply and by phone when their "system director" called me on 6/28, Liz B_. My reply letter to the patient advocate team prompted their "system director" to call me and ask "what exactly I was looking for." When I asked again for answers and info, the same info was repeated, and most questions were not answered properly. She did not even know what the "Right to Try" act was for patient rights and medical treatments. She also stated that it's the "provider's decision on what is ordered for treatment and is under no obligation" to try other treatments. A patient/family has the right to request to try things when they are getting worse, and doctors' treatments are making the patient worse.
When you are ready for even more detail, please let me know. I have much more detail in my notes and files and researched info, which I can share as needed. Can you help us hold them accountable for their blatant disregard for what we and he/likely would have wanted to try, especially since what they were doing was making him worse?
Our family believes in natural immunity. His wife had the same strain and is fine, and we both had it twice and are fine.
Wendy LeGault, Somers CT
Cell: 860-559-4995
Additional info:
*Treatments like simple vitamins, minerals, and probiotics early on, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, convalescent plasma, dialysis, and other combinations such as higher dose steroids, IV Vitamin C. And they rejected other medical therapies (FLCCC protocol) shown in many other cases to have helped, such as Ivermectin, hydroxychloroquine, convalescent plasma (which possibly could have come from me), and monoclonal antibodies, especially since his D-Dimer was so high. Several other emergency authorized drugs like baricitinib (Olumiant) and Zyesami/Aviptadil were not tried, which were in use at the time he was hospitalized. Other symptomatic treatments that may have helped, like deferoxamine/iron chelator for high ferritin, an approved treatment, was not tried. Or dialysis to help clear blood issues, as the blood work shows many issues even prior to ventilation. Also rejected was my request for heat thermography/imaging or photos to perhaps find where the infection might be in his body, since the source could not be found and was not found. I was told "It's not something we use to find an infection."
Dr. M_/Dr. M.G._ appears to have had a conversation about treatment, noting if ventilation is needed, "patient is game." Is that even appropriate language for such a grave procedure? (pg.176) *What options were given, if any, and what was the criteria for the decision to ventilate at 4:30 am?
I see a couple of oxygen dips to lower levels, then recovery* as noted. I see one note of "confusion" and pulling out his IV and trying to get up, asking to speak with his wife, right before he was ventilated.
Pg. 3 of 3
When I asked what would be done about the air/gas pockets building up after he was ventilated, I was told it would be monitored, sometimes it can fix itself, but there are procedures that can be done if it does not resolve. I asked every day what was being done about it. Although a tube was inserted after the lung collapsed, the air/gas build-up got worse every day, and nothing further was done. The air/gas pockets increased in the chest and neck daily, and his CO2 levels were rising. He was always on his back; we never saw him prone in any other positions, even though a Dr. said it might be a good idea, so I'm not sure why it was not done.
What was the reasoning choice for Valetri (given the notes on side effects and when it's not advisable to use on patients with fluid in lungs or problems breathing)?
What was the reasoning for Vancomycin (he tested negative for Staph, viral, and bacterial infections, including Staph, and given the side effects warnings about damaging kidney function)? My Dad developed AKI.
Why were we not told at any point during our calls that every time he was awakened by staff (sometimes 2-4 hours apart per his record, Jan 1-5), he became agitated and tried pulling at his connection lines? We would have wanted to know this.
The page 3/14 listing "Final diagnosis" in records doesn't seem to match up with other notations & conditions in his file. For example:
- Kidney Failure noted as a "no," however, we were told his kidneys were damaged and failed, verbally advised as well as lab work.
- Pneumonia as "yes," even though the (pneumonic) test was negative.
- COVID as "yes," however, he never tested positive.
- Encephalopathy says "no," however, it's noted as a condition in his file several places.
- Emphysema says "no."
- Acidosis says "no."
- Pneumothorax as "no," however, it was noted in the record as a major issue several times. Some of these are also listed on the death certificate.
Death certificate notes: Immediate cause of death "Complications of COVID-19." He did not have COVID in the hospital; he had post-COVID pneumonia-like symptoms, which were never remedied. The death certificate has Checked on manner of death - Natural. What is the definition of a natural death? Cause of death info does not seem to follow the CDC guidelines on how a death certificate should be filled out in Part I and II. (Link to guidelines: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvss/vsrg/vsrg03-508.pdf)
Most information was never received while he was in the hospital - bloodwork, blood type, medications (not all were mentioned by phone), also to speak with a Nutritional Doctor, who never called me. So I reached out to the patient advocate team for help with communications, but it didn't help much. I had trouble reaching the doctors in charge of his care; I was only able to speak with the PA's most of the time. I asked 2x for Dr. _ to call me, but a PA called me back. I only spoke/saw him (_) the morning my father was dying, 1/5/22 am. He came in with his hands on his hips saying "This man is very sick." No sh*t Sherlock. Also, he came over into a conversation I was having with a PA (with an incorrect attitude I might add) since he was there. I asked him about dialysis, and he said it was "too late because there was multi-organ damage now."
I have/had complaints in with 7+ agencies and government officials.
Regarding Edward LeGault's treatment at Hartford Hospital from 12/24/2021 to 1/5/2022:
I was "supposedly" involved in deciding on his care. I have notes, as well as his wife, and we both kept daily notes. However, my requests were mainly not taken into real consideration. They were ignored, denied, and even scoffed at. I was on the HIPAA list. He did NOT test positive for COVID on any of these days.
I have finally received most of his medical record (possibly not even the entire thing) but as much as I could get after many attempts. I did not receive any X-rays or imaging other than what you see in the 1300-page doc (a few thermal topical images only). The file is not in chronological order, and their system lists treatments and medications in some sort of categorical way which I do not understand.
I had already put in a grievance with the hospital, and they replied 6 weeks later with their non-informative response, not supplying important information that I requested, only basic auto-response replies I heard in the hospital.
I am in the process of submitting this letter to Medicare/Dept. of Health and Human Services, State Medical Board, and State Attorney General. Plus, seven other agencies! I'm having a hard time finding the right team to review this because he was deemed "COVID related." He had COVID approximately 21 days before he ended up at the hospital due to extreme fatigue and shortness of breath. He was technically over COVID, testing negative multiple times at both hospitals (he was originally at Manchester Hospital for a few hours, then transferred by ambulance to Hartford due to "irregular heart issues").
He went into the hospital with major fatigue and shortness of breath. Things seemed to be improving for 5/6 days, then something changed dramatically, and when he was put on bi-pap on 12/31 (I asked what model it was and what the setting was for Bi-pap because there appears to be a recall on certain models which had issues), it seemed to go downhill even faster, quickly followed by ventilation about 12 hours after that at 4:30 am on Jan. 1. He spent five days on a ventilator with different antibiotics damaging many of his organs, as they could not find the source of the "infection" they suspected right after they ventilated. Although they were trying several antibiotics and culture tests, they still denied my requests to try certain things noted below*. His body was so damaged on the 5th day on the ventilator; in addition, they said they could not control his heart rhythm (failing) and also told of multi-organ failure. We decided to stop the damage and let him go peacefully (also to learn of such terrible details about him being very agitated the last 5 days by his medical notes). His wife was denied the request to speak with a family member (wife called) prior to being ventilated, and the phone call was denied. And more heart-wrenching notes.
One doctor even refused to take the info I printed and brought to the hospital out of my hand for her to look at. When I tried getting the patient advocate involved, it was no help in getting info or treatments I wanted; however, she did make a note in my file that I was trying to ask for blood work and treatments to help his organs recover from what they were doing.
So although it was "deemed COVID pneumonia," he did not test positive for COVID or pneumonia. I believe that it's more about mishandling his treatments and denial of treatments that could have helped. On another note: his death certificate appears also to be filled out improperly based on the CT regulations and descriptions of what death should actually be attributed to and in what order. This may be of significance because if they are saying he died of COVID, then "their treatment" was right, but if he died of other causes, the treatment or lack of treatment was not helping.
They (Hartford Hosp.) went full steam ahead with their "COVID protocol" without any regard to what I was requesting or trying to explain, which included some proven post-COVID/long COVID treatments for damaged lungs, as well as EU (emergency use) authorized treatments, and some additional treatments that would have been non-invasive to try like high dose IV Vitamin C (or Marik protocol treatments), plasma (I offered mine, but they did not even know his blood type and would not test it to find out, even though I requested it; they said "we aren't doing that plasma treatment for COVID"). All were denied. Some doctors listened and ignored my requests, and the common response to most requests was "we don't do that for COVID."
There are MANY things, in my opinion, that contributed to his death, and many could have been avoided. Reviewing other similar cases, I don't believe he had to die like this. One example: When he was intubated, he somehow punctured a hole somewhere in the mediastinum, which consequently caused his lung to collapse and started a continuous pocket of air/gas build-up in his chest and neck, which was never remedied. Not something that had to happen or should have happened to a person struggling to breathe.
There is also confusion concerning the time period from when he appeared to be improving (12/25-27) and was being informed of what to expect when released (we received calls about home nursing visitation care & physical therapy) to being put on bi-pap (12/31) and quickly onto a ventilator at 4:30 am on 1/1, with some unclear procedures, treatments, medications, and disturbing happenings in those two days. "Emergency Flo record" pg. 1328 is confusing with scribbled-out information. His wife was denied speaking with him before being ventilated, even though he had asked for a moment earlier to a nurse, who called his wife. This will haunt us for the rest of our lives.
Pg. 2 of 3
When he could still speak, prior to 12/31, he kept saying it "wasn't a good idea" for us to visit after having conversations with staff. He told us several times not to come in because they said it was not a good idea. He was not COVID positive on any test, and other tests were negative as well for infections. Although we were speaking by phone, it was difficult to reach him for updates; his phone was not working all the time.
*Regarding the "Influenza VAC Split Quad injection," which we were not told about at all during his stay. The record stated: Ordered, "in process" on 12/27 electronically signed by Sarah P., nurse 12/27/21, authorized by Meredith B., nurse. Package number 58160-887-41. "In process." Also, there's a note of some patient education by EW_. on 12/27, 12/28, & 12/29. There is no information on the lot # or where the injection was given. This was not ever discussed with his wife or myself (daughter Wendy) during his stay. I only saw this when I finally received his medical file, way after his death. We would like an absolute answer on this
with proof of where that package # went. The hospital grievance reply and director of patient advocacy relayed "it was not given," but I have no other backup evidence it was not given; all the notes appear to lean towards it being given.
They also said they would not give me the "COVID protocol" they were treating him with in writing. I asked for it via the grievance letter and reply and by phone when their "system director" called me on 6/28, Liz B_. My reply letter to the patient advocate team prompted their "system director" to call me and ask "what exactly I was looking for." When I asked again for answers and info, the same info was repeated, and most questions were not answered properly. She did not even know what the "Right to Try" act was for patient rights and medical treatments. She also stated that it's the "provider's decision on what is ordered for treatment and is under no obligation" to try other treatments. A patient/family has the right to request to try things when they are getting worse, and doctors' treatments are making the patient worse.
When you are ready for even more detail, please let me know. I have much more detail in my notes and files and researched info, which I can share as needed. Can you help us hold them accountable for their blatant disregard for what we and he/likely would have wanted to try, especially since what they were doing was making him worse?
Our family believes in natural immunity. His wife had the same strain and is fine, and we both had it twice and are fine.
Wendy LeGault, Somers CT
Cell: 860-559-4995
Additional info:
*Treatments like simple vitamins, minerals, and probiotics early on, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, convalescent plasma, dialysis, and other combinations such as higher dose steroids, IV Vitamin C. And they rejected other medical therapies (FLCCC protocol) shown in many other cases to have helped, such as Ivermectin, hydroxychloroquine, convalescent plasma (which possibly could have come from me), and monoclonal antibodies, especially since his D-Dimer was so high. Several other emergency authorized drugs like baricitinib (Olumiant) and Zyesami/Aviptadil were not tried, which were in use at the time he was hospitalized. Other symptomatic treatments that may have helped, like deferoxamine/iron chelator for high ferritin, an approved treatment, was not tried. Or dialysis to help clear blood issues, as the blood work shows many issues even prior to ventilation. Also rejected was my request for heat thermography/imaging or photos to perhaps find where the infection might be in his body, since the source could not be found and was not found. I was told "It's not something we use to find an infection."
Dr. M_/Dr. M.G._ appears to have had a conversation about treatment, noting if ventilation is needed, "patient is game." Is that even appropriate language for such a grave procedure? (pg.176) *What options were given, if any, and what was the criteria for the decision to ventilate at 4:30 am?
I see a couple of oxygen dips to lower levels, then recovery* as noted. I see one note of "confusion" and pulling out his IV and trying to get up, asking to speak with his wife, right before he was ventilated.
Pg. 3 of 3
When I asked what would be done about the air/gas pockets building up after he was ventilated, I was told it would be monitored, sometimes it can fix itself, but there are procedures that can be done if it does not resolve. I asked every day what was being done about it. Although a tube was inserted after the lung collapsed, the air/gas build-up got worse every day, and nothing further was done. The air/gas pockets increased in the chest and neck daily, and his CO2 levels were rising. He was always on his back; we never saw him prone in any other positions, even though a Dr. said it might be a good idea, so I'm not sure why it was not done.
What was the reasoning choice for Valetri (given the notes on side effects and when it's not advisable to use on patients with fluid in lungs or problems breathing)?
What was the reasoning for Vancomycin (he tested negative for Staph, viral, and bacterial infections, including Staph, and given the side effects warnings about damaging kidney function)? My Dad developed AKI.
Why were we not told at any point during our calls that every time he was awakened by staff (sometimes 2-4 hours apart per his record, Jan 1-5), he became agitated and tried pulling at his connection lines? We would have wanted to know this.
The page 3/14 listing "Final diagnosis" in records doesn't seem to match up with other notations & conditions in his file. For example:
- Kidney Failure noted as a "no," however, we were told his kidneys were damaged and failed, verbally advised as well as lab work.
- Pneumonia as "yes," even though the (pneumonic) test was negative.
- COVID as "yes," however, he never tested positive.
- Encephalopathy says "no," however, it's noted as a condition in his file several places.
- Emphysema says "no."
- Acidosis says "no."
- Pneumothorax as "no," however, it was noted in the record as a major issue several times. Some of these are also listed on the death certificate.
Death certificate notes: Immediate cause of death "Complications of COVID-19." He did not have COVID in the hospital; he had post-COVID pneumonia-like symptoms, which were never remedied. The death certificate has Checked on manner of death - Natural. What is the definition of a natural death? Cause of death info does not seem to follow the CDC guidelines on how a death certificate should be filled out in Part I and II. (Link to guidelines: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvss/vsrg/vsrg03-508.pdf)
Most information was never received while he was in the hospital - bloodwork, blood type, medications (not all were mentioned by phone), also to speak with a Nutritional Doctor, who never called me. So I reached out to the patient advocate team for help with communications, but it didn't help much. I had trouble reaching the doctors in charge of his care; I was only able to speak with the PA's most of the time. I asked 2x for Dr. _ to call me, but a PA called me back. I only spoke/saw him (_) the morning my father was dying, 1/5/22 am. He came in with his hands on his hips saying "This man is very sick." No sh*t Sherlock. Also, he came over into a conversation I was having with a PA (with an incorrect attitude I might add) since he was there. I asked him about dialysis, and he said it was "too late because there was multi-organ damage now."
I have/had complaints in with 7+ agencies and government officials.
Original link: (Link not provided)
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