AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) - The NAACP’s Maine State Prison chapter is raising allegations of inadequate health care services, adding to concerns after a wrongful death lawsuit was filed by the father of a prisoner who died from an infection.
Inmates told Maine Public for a story Monday that they were concerned about Andrew Leighton’s breathing before his death. The NAACP chapter said in a lawsuit filed in January that he sought treatment five times before he was found unresponsive in his cell on Oct. 1, 2018.
Nashville, Tennessee-based Wellpath LLC declined to comment on the lawsuit. The company’s contract is currently up for renewal in Maine.
Leighton originally complained about a toothache, and over time there was swelling that affected his breathing. An autopsy showed his death was caused by an infection of the salivary glands and sepsis, along with complications of asthma.
“I think this case really showcases the sort of systemic problems of prison health care that’s run by a private, for-profit corporation,” said Susan Faunce, an attorney for Leighton’s father, Thomas.
She cited instances of lack of communication, lack of documentation, lack of coordination of care and staffing issues.
Members of the Maine State Prison’s NAACP prison chapter, on behalf of other residents, say they’re facing the same kinds of problems that are detrimental to their health and safety.
Corrections Commissioner Randy Liberty said the Department of Corrections stands behind Wellparth’s work. He said the department has reviewed the NAACP’s claims and followed up on the ones that merited action.
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