Dr. Stephen Guffanti Advocates for Patient Rights #6
Every Patient’s Right: Ending Isolation In Healthcare, a podcast of The NEVER Alone Project
Release Date: 01/14/2025
Scott Schara – A Father’s Fight to End Forced Medical Isolation #11
Every Patient’s Right: Ending Isolation In Healthcare, a podcast of The NEVER Alone Project
Steve Reiter speaks with Scott Schara, whose daughter, Grace, born with Down syndrome, tragically passed away in October 2021 following forced medical isolation during a hospital stay. Scott shares Grace’s joyful spirit, how their family navigated hospital protocols, and how his advocacy seeks to protect others from experiencing the same injustice. Together, they discuss the limits of patient rights, the shortcomings of the ADA, and the importance of love and humanity in healthcare. Outline: 00:00 April Fool's Day Memories 03:26 "Unexpected Joy in Grace's Birth" 07:18 Welcoming Parenthood...
info_outline
Chelsey Hellwege & Calley Riste - A Family's Struggle with Isolation #10
Every Patient’s Right: Ending Isolation In Healthcare, a podcast of The NEVER Alone Project
Chelsey Hellwege and Calley Riste are interviewed by Steve Reiter. Welcome to "Every Patient's Right" by the Never Alone Project. In this episode, sisters Chelsey Hellwege and Calley Ristee share the heartbreaking experience of losing their father, Driggs Jessup, to COVID-19 in September 2021. They recount the isolation he faced in the hospital, despite being a fit and active community figure known for his work as a pastor and school resource officer. Chelsey and Calley discuss the difficulties of advocating for their father's care and dealing with the healthcare system while feeling...
info_outline
Gregory Gandrud's 44-Day Battle Against COVID in Medical Isolation #9
Every Patient’s Right: Ending Isolation In Healthcare, a podcast of The NEVER Alone Project
Host Steve Reiter engages in a poignant conversation with Gregory Gandrud, a man whose firsthand experience with the complexities of healthcare isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic offers a critical lens on the intricacies of patient care. Gregory, who was hospitalized with COVID-19 at the age of 60 and faced a prolonged period of isolation, recounts the harrowing journey through intensive care and his subsequent recovery. His story highlights the trauma of being ventilated without the presence of loved ones, the psychological impact of hallucinations, and the challenges of navigating a...
info_outline
Steve Dettle - A Widow's Journey to Healing and Advocacy #8
Every Patient’s Right: Ending Isolation In Healthcare, a podcast of The NEVER Alone Project
In this episode of Every Patient's Right, host Steve Reiter speaks with guest Steve Dettel about his experiences during forced medical isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Steve Dettel shares the challenges he and his late wife faced while being isolated in the same hospital, even though they both had the same illness. Their story emphasizes the effects of such isolation, highlighting the obstacles to human connection and care during a difficult time. As they discuss Steve's journey, listeners will learn about the strength and hope he found after his loss, including his support from a...
info_outline
Family Advocacy in Healthcare: The Seiler's Struggle for Patient Rights #7
Every Patient’s Right: Ending Isolation In Healthcare, a podcast of The NEVER Alone Project
In this episode of "Every Patient's Right" Ending Isolation and Healthcare Podcast, host Steve Reiter speaks with Gail Seiler, her husband, Brad Seiler, and their daughter, Angela Haynes, about Gail’s hospitalization experience in late 2021. Gail shares her story of being admitted to a Texas hospital for COVID-19 and facing significant isolation due to restrictive visitation policies. Brad, a former RN, and Angela discuss their efforts to advocate for Gail’s care from outside the hospital. They discuss their challenges, including difficulties in ensuring proper medical treatment and...
info_outline
Dr. Stephen Guffanti Advocates for Patient Rights #6
Every Patient’s Right: Ending Isolation In Healthcare, a podcast of The NEVER Alone Project
In today's episode, we have Dr. Stephen Guffanti, a former emergency room physician turned holistic medicine practitioner and literacy advocate. Dr. Guffanti shares his harrowing hospital experience, where both he and his roommate faced severe mistreatment. He exposes systemic flaws in corporate healthcare, criticizes the COVID protocols, and emphasizes the crucial role of patient advocates. Dr. Guffanti also discusses the potential for health savings accounts to empower patients and calls for essential reforms in the relationship between doctors and hospitals. Join us to hear Dr. Guffanti's...
info_outline
Overcoming Forced Isolation and Debbie Shivers' Fight for Her Husband's Rights #5
Every Patient’s Right: Ending Isolation In Healthcare, a podcast of The NEVER Alone Project
Steve Reiter interviews Debbie Shivers. Welcome to this episode of "Every Patient's Right: Ending Isolation and Health Care" by the Never Alone Project. Welcome to "Every Patient's Right," a podcast examining the effects of forced medical isolation and advocating for essential healthcare policy reforms. This episode focuses on the case of Rodney Shivers, who faced severe medical challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. The episode compares his hospitalization experiences in 2013 and 2020, highlighting the stark differences caused by isolation policies. It covers the attempts to bypass these...
info_outline
Patti Gilliano - Hospital Shutdowns and Nurse Layoffs During COVID-19 #4
Every Patient’s Right: Ending Isolation In Healthcare, a podcast of The NEVER Alone Project
Host Steve Reiter converses with Patti Giliano, a seasoned psychiatric nurse practitioner, about the intense challenges faced during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tune in as Patti recounts the widespread hospital shutdowns influenced by corporate and CDC directives, which led to significant nurse layoffs and halted crucial medical operations. She shares her personal COVID-19 battle, struggles for necessary care, and recovery using alternative treatments. Patti also explores the impacts of patient isolation, the supply chain crisis, and the community's incredible response. Her...
info_outline
Rep. Julie Mayberry - Advocating for Patient Visitation Rights #3
Every Patient’s Right: Ending Isolation In Healthcare, a podcast of The NEVER Alone Project
In today's episode, Steve sits down with State Representative Julie Mayberry from Arkansas, who has been a formidable advocate for improving hospital patient visitation rights, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rep. Mayberry shares her personal experiences and the journey of crafting and passing the "No Patient Left Alone" bill, addressing the legislative hurdles and the importance of family presence in patient care. She highlights the balance between infection control and emotional well-being, emphasizing that patient support is crucial. Tune in as we explore her inspiring work, the...
info_outline
Tracy Bird and The Impact of Medical Isolation on Her Family #2
Every Patient’s Right: Ending Isolation In Healthcare, a podcast of The NEVER Alone Project
host Steve Reiter sits down with Tracy Bird, who shares the heartbreaking story of her husband, Jeff, and his isolation during his battle with COVID-19 in December 2021. Tracy recounts the fear and confusion leading up to Jeff's hospitalization, the lack of communication with medical professionals, and the trauma of being unable to say goodbye. This episode delves into the ethical implications of medical isolation, the need for humane treatment, and Tracy's plea for legislation to ensure families are never separated from their loved ones during medical crises again. Join us as we explore the...
info_outlineIn today's episode, we have Dr. Stephen Guffanti, a former emergency room physician turned holistic medicine practitioner and literacy advocate. Dr. Guffanti shares his harrowing hospital experience, where both he and his roommate faced severe mistreatment. He exposes systemic flaws in corporate healthcare, criticizes the COVID protocols, and emphasizes the crucial role of patient advocates. Dr. Guffanti also discusses the potential for health savings accounts to empower patients and calls for essential reforms in the relationship between doctors and hospitals. Join us to hear Dr. Guffanti's compelling story and explore actionable solutions for improving patient rights and healthcare quality. This episode is essential listening for anyone dedicated to patient-centered care. Stay tuned!
Outline:
(03:32) Hospital priorities over patient care and research.
(09:30) Games engage kids, fostering reading interest.
(11:11) COVID ignored led to hospitalization; not contagious.
(14:22) All lung viruses are initially unfamiliar.
(18:52) Reduced oxygen, observing struggling roommate's breathing.
(21:47) Denied doctor's name: HIPAA violation concerns raised.
(23:55) Mystery behind hospital's undisclosed doctor and isolation.
(30:45) Free doctors prioritize healthcare over corporate profit.
(34:57) Calm babies may indicate serious breathing issues.
(38:46) Passion for medicine and financial incentives influence.
(41:11) Chest pain is diagnosed as thoracic strain, and treatment is required.
(44:13) Criticizing ineffective mask policies in hospitals.
(51:21) Being vigilant can help notice undiagnosed issues.
About the Guest: Stephen Guffanti, known for his academic brilliance, began his medical career with a pioneering spirit. During his internship in California, he noticed the absence of a specialty in emergency medicine. Undeterred, he crafted his path by working in the emergency room of the LA County Jail for three months. This intense environment, dealing with the harsh realities of gang violence, opened his eyes to a critical societal issue: 80% of gang-involved youth might leave the gangs and stop the violence if they could read at their grade level. Fueled by a passion for emergency medicine, which he admired for its ever-changing challenges, Stephen has advocated for literacy to prevent youth violence and foster better futures.
About The Host: Steve Reiter is the founder of the Never Alone Project and the host of its podcast, "Every Patient's Right, Ending Isolation and Healthcare." He lost his wife to forced isolation on May 19, 2020, and believes no one should die alone. The show delves into the significant issue of forced medical isolation that began in March 2020, examining its profound effects on patients and exploring ways to balance essential medical care with the nurturing human contact that aids healing and recovery.