Home
MFI Web Radio Show Guest: Paula Caplan
Whistleblower: New York State Cover-up on Electroshock "Is A Lie"
An individual who identifies himself as retired nurse James Gordon says that he worked in a New York State psychiatric institution, and personally saw electroshock there from the inside. Mr. Gordon says he can confirm accusations by activist Darby Penney that New York State is covering-up data about electroshock, including the amount of involuntary electroshock over the expressed wishes of the subject.
James Gordon identifies himself as a retired nurse who worked in New York State's infamous Pilgrim Psychiatric Center.
November 18, 2007
Retired Psychiatric Nurse Says that New York State is Covering Up Information about Electroshock
by James Gordon
I am a Licensed Practical Nurse.
I retired from Pilgrim Psychiatric Center, West Brentwood, NY in May 2005, after 30 years. I worked as a Therapy Aide from August 1975 until becoming an LPN January 2000.
In my experience I have witnessed so many times patients ready to enter society via group homes or family or whatever, only to have their progress reversed by many months or even years when their psychiatrist decides to change their medication or dosage or by prescribing a number of ECT "treatments," usually around ten to start, sometimes more. This insures the patient isn't going anywhere. The psychiatrist can then give him/her self a well deserved pat on the back for being such a superb clinician with keen assessment skills in determining the patient wasn't ready to re-enter society anyway.
I have escorted patients to court where a judge has granted a patients petition to leave the institution only to have their liberty delayed, a few days later, because the M.D. magically produces "documentation" proving that indeed the client requires more evaluation before being released.
It is no wonder the New York State OMH does not want to respond to Ms. Darby Penney. If it did the OMH would have to admit it is in the business of operating a warehouse instead of a hospital.
The OMH response to her that "facilities have not maintained files responsive to your request" is a lie because as a matter of fact patients are given a complete medical workup, including blood work, a week or two before ECT is administered and a pre/post ECT assessment sheet is filled out each and every time the patient goes and returns from the "therapy."
I know because I have filled out many of these forms myself.
And, that is just the tip of the iceberg.
I wish you well, Ms. Penney, in your quest for the truth, and Health and Happiness to everyone at MindFreedom.
Respectfully,
James
