Letter to Medstar Surgical and St. Charles Hospital

Marc E. Charest
256 Sebonac Road
Southampton, NY 11968
631-259-3828

March 9, 2011

Mr. Zeb Pirzada, CEO
Medstar Surgical and Breathing
15-40 128th Street
College Point, NY 11356
and
Mr. James O’Connor, CEO
St. Charles Hospital
200 Belle Terre Road
Port Jefferson, NY 11777

Re: New wheelchair.

Dear Sirs,
This week, the wheelchair I have been waiting nine months for has finally been approved. The delays were caused by errors, inaction or outright deceit by one or both of your corporations. I have been endeavoring for months simply trying to get someone to provide proper patient care. I have been more than flexible in trying to work with everyone.

The entire purpose of obtaining a new wheelchair was to provide a chair with better back and head support. My current chair is inadequate in this regard. I have endured several months of unnecessary neck and back pain while waiting for the chair that was promised to me by October 2010.

After again consulting with my attorney, I am offering a proposal to resolve this issue once and for all.

First, Medstar and St. Charles will provide, at no cost to me, the wheelchair as approved by Medicare.

Second, in addition to the power options discussed at the wheelchair clinic, I request the seatback also be motorized. In the nine months since my evaluation at the wheelchair clinic, my hands have weakened and I will be unable to operate the seatback angle manually in the very near future. The cost for this will also be borne by your corporations.

I will not compromise on the above proposal. Throughout this ordeal I have been offered nothing but excuses, finger-pointing and platitudes. As I have stated to several people involved, I will not back down.

If the above proposal is not accepted, I fully intend on filing suit to recover treble damages for the costs I have incurred repairing my old wheelchair and any out of pocket costs for my new wheelchair. I estimate this will amount to about $25,000. In addition, I will be seeking compensation for pain and suffering since October 2010 caused by the extended use of the inadequate chair I am using. I have no estimate for that.

I am eager to put this problem behind me, as my only desire is to be comfortable and independent in a wheelchair that works for me. Given all that has transpired and all I have endured, this is a more than reasonable proposal.

I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,


Marc Charest