Watchdogs want outside investigation of Chicago psychiatric hospital where troubled teens allegedly were sexually abused

From Christy Gutowski's article in the Chicago Tribune

"Top child welfare watchdogs want outside experts to take a closer look at conditions inside a prominent Uptown psychiatric hospital following a rise in complaints this year alleging that highly vulnerable kids were sexually and physically abused as a result of lax supervision and improper staff conduct....

...Illinois Department of Children and Family Services leaders have rejected an independent investigation of Chicago Lakeshore Hospital. They say it would lead to unnecessary bureaucracy, and instead have stepped up the number of hospital visits to ensure the well-being of young patients.

In addition to the abuse complaints, the hospital faces the loss of crucial federal funding after health officials questioned whether staff had correctly monitored patients, kept empty rooms locked and completed required documentation about medication in some patient files.

The past year has marked a troubled time for the hospital. The Tribune found that four lawsuits have been filed alleging adult patients were raped, as well as police investigations into hospital employee misconduct...

...In the most recent lawsuit, filed Oct. 24, a female patient with a history of depression and anxiety accused a hospital employee of not allowing her to contact police last summer after she suspected she had been attacked while sedated. In her complaint, the woman said she woke up the morning after being heavily medicated to physical symptoms consistent with a sexual assault. Her family contacted Chicago police several days later after staff failed to act, her lawyer said...."

Click here to read the full article on the Chicago Tribune website.