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Deaths, rape lead to scrutiny of Pasadena psychiatric hospital
Aurora Las Encinas Hospital in Pasadena, a favored destination for celebrities in need of rehab, is faulted by state officials for two deaths in April.
Three adult patients died unexpectedly and a teenage patient was raped after entering a Pasadena psychiatric hospital known for its association with celebrity physician Drew Pinsky, records show.
The incidents occurred in the last five months at Aurora Las Encinas Hospital, which advertises itself as a "world-renowned" haven where patients with acute mental illness and substance abuse problems can recover in safety and comfort. It is a favored destination for rock musicians and actors, among others.
The incidents occurred in the last five months at Aurora Las Encinas Hospital, which advertises itself as a "world-renowned" haven where patients with acute mental illness and substance abuse problems can recover in safety and comfort. It is a favored destination for rock musicians and actors, among others.
Pinsky, who co-hosts the syndicated radio show "Loveline" and anchors the VH1 reality TV series "Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew," is co-medical director of the chemical dependency department and is prominently featured on the hospital's website. He has said he played no direct role in any of the patients' care.
Experts say it is rare to see so many patients at a psychiatric hospital die or be harmed in such a short period. State health inspectors have investigated and faulted the hospital's care in the first two deaths, which occurred within two days in April.
The patients, who were being treated for drug abuse in the chemical dependency unit, both died of apparent drug overdoses, according to coroner's records and the report by inspectors for the state Department of Public Health.
This month, a patient in the NASH House, which treats substance abusers on the hospital grounds, hanged himself from a wooden beam, the Los Angeles County coroner found.Experts say it is rare to see so many patients at a psychiatric hospital die or be harmed in such a short period. State health inspectors have investigated and faulted the hospital's care in the first two deaths, which occurred within two days in April.
The patients, who were being treated for drug abuse in the chemical dependency unit, both died of apparent drug overdoses, according to coroner's records and the report by inspectors for the state Department of Public Health.
One day after his body was found a 14-year-old girl was raped by a 16-year-old patient as hospital staffers and the suspect's probation officer slept nearby, according to two sources familiar with the matter. "Not a very good track record, especially at an expensive hospital like that," said Taras Otus, the brother of Timur Otus, the 43-year-old bipolar patient who hanged himself. "I don't understand what's going on there exactly."
The hospital declined to comment on the incidents, citing patient confidentiality. MORE
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