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Worcester Chapter Update Editor's Note: Rick, an active member of Worcester M-POWER, relates the ongoing struggles and challenges which the chapter continues to grapple with as a growing organization.
There was an update on meetings between the M-POWER hospital administration liaisons— Peter, Fran, and Deni—and Area Director Elaine Hill. The liaisons will each present information on their work to the chapter. We have also discussed M-POWER expanding to meet the needs of the community in Worcester. Perhaps a service could be driving people to get their medications if they do not have transportation. Two lawyers from The Center For Public Representation, Bob Fleischner and Maggie Smith, spoke at the August 19th meeting. They discussed different types of advocacy with us, systems advocacy and peer advocacy. They also shared information about the populations the Center for Public Representation serves. They believe that people should be taught to advocate and speak for themselves. People should know what their rights are. Since some people feel hopeless inside the hospital—in terms of peer advocacy—Maggie and Bob would like to see those CSX who are further along in recovery volunteer as mentors for current inpatients. On the subject of systems advocacy they felt that the best thing the Worcester Chapter of M-POWER can do is to approach the administration of Worcester State Hospital. In the past the hospital administration had said we couldn’t distribute flyers. This decision was reversed and a promise was made that we could organize on the wards. However, due to unfortunate misinformation about M-POWER; and the culture of the clinical staff, we are still prohibited from recruiting on the wards. But we have developed a relationship with Elaine Hill who is mediating for us with the clinical staff. In general we need to have a regular presence at the hospital, through our office there. We should also continue to press the Commissioner for a statewide presence for M-POWER. The Worcester Chapter is attempting to make an issue campaign of the public shower situation at Worcester State Hospital. We have decided to make demands that aspects of the situation must be changed. Movable shower curtains should be installed. Privacy screens must be available and accessible on all wards for dressing. Doors on stalls should close. Staff must knock before entering, if assistance is not needed, they should not be present in the shower room. Lockers for all patients for toileting articles and other possessions are to be provided. We are also requesting an inspectional tour of all bathrooms and showers on the wards. Rights of patients should be observed. Update: On March 28th at 11a.m. we had a meeting with D.M.H. administrator Ray Robinson. During this meeting stories of trauma experienced by patients who had experienced “group showers” at Worcester State and Northampton State hospitals were shared. In regards to privacy at the hospital the members emphasized that Worcester State Hospital is not in compliance with the inpatient Bill of Five Fundamental Rights. At the meeting our expectations were presented. We let Mr. Robinson know how we want to see that patients have respect and privacy when showering and toileting at the hospital. Staff should be available for help only if requested. Patients should be allowed to choose the gender of the staff person who assists them. Patients should be given a reasonable amount of time to shower. Those not under clinical observation should not have monitors in the shower. The physical construction of the showers must be remodeled to comply with the Bill of Five Fundamental Rights. A demand was made for flexible showering schedules. Because of reports of staff abuse, a demand for a training on sensitivity and sexual harassment was also made. We have also met with protection and advocacy attorney Ray Mastre and Worcester State Hospital Human Rights Officer Kevin Howley. At this meeting we sought information on what some of the clinical issues are which would justify violating people’s privacy rights. We asked them to agree on a strategy that will resolve clinical issues while respecting patient’s rights to privacy. In other M-POWER happenings involving our Chapter. There was an opening for a Board position in November. We had a closed ballot to determine who would fill the position. Phil Breton won the election. Ilona Macki, a Worcester Member, was sent to West Virginia for a conference with the Leadership Academy. Lowell members have done some work on developing peer advocacy ideas for Tewksbury State Hospital. Many Worcester members turned out in support of the Lowell Chapter when they held a meeting with DMH Commissioner Marylou Sudders on October 28th of last year to advocate for a consumer advocacy co-op at Tewksbury State Hospital. Deborah Delman has offered to loan the Chapter books about learning grant writing skills. Any person interested in submitting a finished grant is required to adhere to Board guidelines. This would mean submitting the grant proposal to the fundraising committee. We decided that the Worcester Chapter would meet every 3 weeks, on Wednesdays or Fridays.
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