Dr. Peter Smulowitz, the Chief Medical Officer at the Milford Regional Medical Center in Massachusetts, recently emphasized the hospital’s dedication to delivering outstanding healthcare services to the community, prioritizing dignity, compassion, and respect. This commitment showcases the hospital’s focus on patient well-being and signifies their efforts to prioritize the emotional aspect of care alongside medical treatment.
“Everyone should expect a safe, caring and inclusive environment in all our spaces. Our patient and visitor code of conduct helps us meet this goal,” he explained.
“Words or actions that are disrespectful, racist, discriminatory, hostile or harassing are not welcome and will not be tolerated.”
Smulowitz proceeded to provide an extensive catalog of potential infractions that may result in a patient being denied treatment. However, he emphasized that patients will have the opportunity to present their perspective before any final determinations are made.
“Examples of these include offensive comments about others’ race, ethnicity, accent, religion, gender, sexual orientation or other personal traits; refusal to see a clinician or other staff member based on these personal traits; aggressive or intimidating behavior, physical or verbal threats and assaults; sexual or vulgar words or actions; and disrupting another patient’s care or experience,” he continued.
This is dystopian. @MilfordRegional just announced new policies that can deny you care if you use “unwelcome words” such as micro-aggressions related to race and gender.
They would probably kick you out for misgendering, or saying men can’t get pregnant and there are only 2… pic.twitter.com/kWxoPujp85
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) January 17, 2024
“Body language and tone of voice are also important parts of communication,” he continued. “If we believe you have violated our code with unwelcome words or actions, you will be given a chance to explain your point of view.
“We will always carefully consider your response before we make any decisions about future care at Milford Regional.”
The video received widespread ridicule and condemnation on the internet, as Republican Representative Dr. Greg Murphy accused the hospital of breaching the Hippocratic Oath.
“It is very disheartening to hear a Progressive physician would dishonor his Hippocratic Oath to pay homage to his new DEI faith,” Murphy wrote on the X Platform.
“Of course we want respect for everyone but shame on you [Milford Regional],” he added.
It is very disheartening to hear a Progressive physician would dishonor his Hippocratic oath to pay homage to his new DEI faith. Of course we want respect for everyone but shame on you @MilfordRegional for putting politics over patient care. https://t.co/aAQJQwjfW8
— Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. (@RepGregMurphy) January 19, 2024
The hospital’s official website states that it is a comprehensive healthcare facility equipped with 148 beds. It is known to cater to a wide area comprising more than 20 towns and local communities.