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Dr. Drew Cuts Ties With Rehab Program at Pasadena Hospital
Pinsky in 2008 (Sarah Ardalani/LAist)
High-profile chemical dependency specialist Dr. Drew Pinsky has confirmed he is cutting ties with Aurora Las Encinas Hospital in Pasadena, according to the LA Times. The facility has come under "renewed scrutiny" after inspectors became aware of security and safety risks and incidents involving patient escapes and "near suicides."Pinksy has been affiliated with the hospital for 19 years, and his work in the field of rehab treatment has risen to prominence during that time, first with his work on radio's "Loveline," then in recent years following the success of the Vh-1 reality series Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew and Sex Rehab with Dr. Drew, both of which hosted patients at the Pasadena Recovery Center. The celebrated TV and radio personality announced his departure via a spokesperson; he has told the press as recently as 2008 "he was not involved in patient-care lapses reported at that time."
Details of an inspection conducted in September revealed multiple incidents where patients were able to wrangle items found in the hospital to use to harm themselves, as well as bizarre escapes. "In a plan of correction prepared for federal officials, the hospital promised to monitor patients more closely." The facility runs the risk of losing federal funding because of these incidents, though often "most facilities are able to correct problems before this occurs."
Read our 2008 interview with Dr. Drew here.
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You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
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