June 6, 2012

N.J. Man Alleges Hospital Denied Him HIV Meds

A gay, HIV-positive New Jersey man is suing Catholic teaching hospital Trinitas Regional Medical Center for allegedly denying him treatment and visitors, Courthouse News Service (CNS) reports. The man, Joao Simoes, claims that after a preliminary evaluation with a doctor, in which he disclosed he got HIV after having unprotected sex with a man, the doctor left the room and no subsequent doctors or nurses were sent in. Simoes says that his request for HIV medication was denied for three days, visitors were turned away and the doctor made disparaging remarks such as, “This is what he gets for going against God’s will.” Simoes is seeking punitive damages for discrimination. 

To read the CNS article, click here.

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Previous Comments:

Michael B, Long Island, NY, 2012-07-05 21:45:29
Dr. Borga needs to be brought before NJ State medical boards and lose her license as do those so-called "nurses". This is so reminiscent of what went on during the early years of the epidemic. Where have these people been for the past 25 years? A disgrace to the health field.

Alan J., L.A., 2012-06-21 15:10:02
I am saddened by this, yet also amazed a doctor would be that foolish to say something so inflammatory.

John, Huntsville, 2012-06-19 23:12:48
I can't believe people think they can get away with things like this. Religious hospitals Aren't any better than any other hospital. They have no right to deny someone their required medication. You don't see them telling diabetes patients they can't have insulin or heart patients they can't have their blood pressure meds. This is clearly religious based bigotry and I hope he sues their pants off.

Phyllis, West Springfield, 2012-06-19 13:39:41
Omg thats messed up! I thought that all hospitals are supposed to treat us fairly!! I hope that ull get ur way!!!!

Ivan, Cabo Rojo, 2012-06-08 22:26:56
The moral of this story is that if you know you are going to be hospitalized BYOM. Last year when I had my gall bladder removed I brought my own meds. Having said that, there is no excuse for bad behavior by doctors, nurses, and hospital administrators. I hope this guy gets his day in court.

Thom, USA, 2012-06-08 16:23:37
Discrimination is Rampant in this nation, we send Billions to other nations to help pay for meds, yet thousands of our own citizens do not have adequate care, or access to medications, try to get a job as soon as they find out your HIV + you will find that your job may not last very long at all, the longer we wait the worse it is going to get, don't wait until you find yourself being photographed against your will, as a condition of your continued treatment. Its already happening now.

Rick Johnson 37, Moreno Valley, Ca, 2012-06-07 17:33:53
I am so sorry for this to happen to this man. I was first diagnosed in 12/2005 and I was at a very religious hospital, I was told you have aids and meningitis, you'll be dead in 5 days. No one retunred except to sign me out with a refferral

SinglePozScorpio37, Moreno Valley, Ca, 2012-06-07 17:29:29
I would love to hear the conversation that is taking place with Patient Relations, WHat happened to this man I wish to apologize to for fellow nurses. When I found out I was given similar treatment. It's very hard

john, Raleigh, 2012-06-07 16:28:34
Is it any wonder why the fastest growing religion is comprised of ex-Catholics ?

Marie, Washington dc, 2012-06-07 14:53:29
That was wrong how this man was treated at this hospital. First of all from the holy Bible, no sin is greater meaning all sin is sin. And in the Bible we as humans are not suppose to judge anyone. I'm HIV poz myself, I'm a 37 year old bi-racial woman. Catholic shouldn't be so quick to judge people in their sin, when they the main, the priests be having sex with those alter boys. U can't throw stones at people when u still practice sin ur self. No human is perfect anyway on this earth.

Michael, DC, 2012-06-07 14:35:07
He should sue them for $1500 a month in perpetuity to pay for his meds for life. Hateful religious fascists have no business being in the medical profession.

Chuck Turner, Corpus Christi, 2012-06-07 12:33:03
Had a similar thing happen to me albeit not this severe. I believe this indeed happened!

Bernard Edwards, Philadelphia, 2012-06-07 12:01:20
I am glad that he is pursuing this angle. I wish all the best. It was so wrong of the doctor and hospital to treat him that way. Him/her should have never been trated in such a way.

Jacob, Dallas, 2012-06-07 11:35:43
And THIS is the reason we have separation of church and state and need single payer universal healthcare. I hope the hospital has deep pockets.

Marty McCormack, Dallas, 2012-06-07 11:10:26
The Catholic Hospital here in Dallas St. Paul told me about 8 years ago they did not carry HIV medications. This was after having my gall bladder removed. They keep me a week and monitored my condition due to being a diabetic also. I raised all channels back then and could get no help!! I was told this was common to see how a person healed after surgery. HOGWASH!