WASHINGTON — A male patient who died Thursday at MedStar Washington Hospital Center after fight with two security guards, had tried to leave the facility before being discharged and was being escorted back inside by his nurse when the deadly encounter occurred.
Hospital officials released the details Monday, but said they were limited in what they could disclose because the matter is under police investigation. The patient’s family had requested privacy as well.
Dr. Arthur St. André, a surgical critical care specialist who spoke on the hospital’s behalf, said the patient, a 74-year-old man, left the hospital on Sept. 29 without being formally discharged.
Still in his hospital gown, the patient was spotted at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital, which is nearby. The patient’s nurse and a security guard from National Rehab then escorted him back toward Medstar.
“On the way, they were met by two of our security officers and an interaction occurred in which the patient was injured,” St. André said.
According to a D.C. police report, the patient resisted the guards and “was taken to the ground.” The hospital says the security guards did not use any weapons. The police report says the patient was restrained by “hand controls” but was injured in the process.
The incident happened around 5 p.m. near the hospital’s main entrance.
“He was resuscitated there at the scene by his nurse,” St. André said.
The patient received other emergency care, but died two days later.
D.C. police have since launched an investigation. The security guards, who were employed by the hospital, were placed on paid administration leave. The hospital is conducting a review of the patient’s treatment, care and the fatal incident.
“Our hearts go out to the family for their loss. … This has been devastating to the Washington Hospital Center community,” St. André said.
The patient, whose name has not been released, was “a loving husband to his wife of 40 years, and a wonderful father to his son and daughter,” MedStar said in a statement released on behalf of the patient’s family Tuesday.
“The family is deeply saddened by his loss and they will miss him. They continue to ask for privacy, as they cope with their grief at this difficult time,” MedStar said in the release.
