Jefferson Cited In Patient Assault Probe

By Walter F. Roche Jr.

State health officials have concluded Thomas Jefferson University Hospital mishandled the investigation of a complaint filed by a patient who charged that she had been sexually assaulted by a hospital worker just after she had undergone a lengthy neurosurgical procedure.
In a report made public last week state Health Department surveyors concluded hospital officials violated state and federal requirements when they made a delayed and incomplete response to the patient.
The patient's allegations led to the arrest on sexual assault charges of the now former Jefferson employee. Rafael Alicea is due to appear Thursday in Philadelphia Circuit Court for a hearing on the multiple charges.
David Mischak, Alicea's attorney, said his client has an outstanding character reputation and adamantly asserts his innocence."
The victim, who has also filed a civil suit against Jefferson, has charged that following a nine hour surgery in January of last year the male employee assigned to transport her from the recovery room to her room, caressed her breasts and kissed her neck and ears.
She charged that he continued the assault when they arrived in her room.
According to the Health Department report, Jefferson officials failed to report the incident to state officials within 24-hours and then failed to inform the patient of the results of their investigation. Nor did they provide her with the name of a contact person, as is also required.
"The hospital must provide the patient with written notice of its decision and the steps taken in behalf of the patient," the report states.
The Health Department began its investigation on July 18 and completed its probe by Sept. 19, but did not make its report public until last week.
According to the report, Jefferson did not file an acceptable plan of correction. The hospital did not respond to a request for comment.
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