By
- John Beauge | Special to PennLive
The Montour County coroner claims staff at the Geisinger Acadia Behavioral Health Center near Danville waited four to six hours after a patient died before 911 was called
Coroner Scott Lynn on Friday also accused Geisinger of complicating the investigation into the death of Anthony Fisher, 31, of the Dushore area, by refusing to comply with subpoenas issued to obtain information needed to determine the cause of manner of death
A 911 call was received at 10:15 a.m. Thursday for a cardiac arrest that resulted in the dispatch of emergency services personnel, Mahoning Township police and subsequently someone from the coroner’s office, Lynn said
Following an assessment of the deceased, it was obvious Fisher, who had been admitted the day before, had been dead four to six hours before 911 was notified, Lynn said
An autopsy was conducted Friday, and the investigation is continuing into the cause and manner of death, he said
In response to the coroner’s comments, the behavior health center stated:
“We have responded to requests for information and will continue to cooperate with authorities consistent with applicable legal, regulatory and privacy requirements to protect the patients entrusted to our care.”
It did not comment on the Lynn’s claim the death was not reported immediately
Through a spokesperson, it said it mourns the loss of a patient and extends condolences to the patient’s family and loved ones
“As a fully licensed and accredited hospital, our focus remains on providing compassionate, quality care, illuminating paths to healing for patients and their families,” the spokesperson added
