LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Sierra View actions not compassionate

On the evening of March 7, 2021, my loved one was admitted to the COVID Unit at Sierra View Medical Center. She did not have COVID, tested negative twice for COVID and had completed her second COVID vaccination on February 2, 2021. On Monday morning she was placed on “Comfort Care” as the end of her 88 years was clearly coming to an end.

After multiple calls to the hospital, family was repeatedly denied their right to be with their mother during her final days. No explanation, no reason, no science, and certainly no compassion for this decision was ever offered. Her daughter was finally “allowed” to visit on Tuesday afternoon. She was placed in all the protective gear and stood at the door to her mother’s room behind plexiglass. The nurse told her she could stay for 10 minutes, could not go in the room or touch her mom for final goodbye. Please explain to our community the science behind these rules because there certainly was no “compassion!”

No apologies, no “I’m sorry” can make what happened right. On March 17, 2021 I spoke with administration and was told they would investigate and get back to the family. We have yet to hear from administration at the hospital to learn the outcome of the investigation.

On March 11, 2021, my sister died at Sierra View Medical

Center in a private room ALONE. This was inhumane, uncaring, and absolutely traumatic to her and her loved ones. More than that, it could have ended differently.

Sierra View Medical Center administration, what changes have you put in place to prevent this from ever happening again? In reviewing your website and your Mission, Vision and Values the word “Compassion” is repeatedly written. Action speaks louder than words and your actions were not compassionate. Your written words are EMPTY as evidenced by your actions! No One Should Ever Die Alone