Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, March 28, 1992 TAG: 9203280250
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RON BROWN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
"If it's a heavy thicket, they don't go in there," said Frank Miles, a spokesman for the hospital. "Number one, they probably can't get in there. In most cases, they figure where they can't go a patient can't go."
Miles explained the search procedure after confirming it with VA police.
Miles' explanation came as a review team from the central office of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs was at the hospital to look into allegations by an employees' union of low morale and deteriorating patient care.
One of the men whose bodies was found had been missing since November. The other was reported missing Feb. 22.
Miles said a pine thicket behind two psychiatric buildings that housed the two men was considered too overgrown for officers to search.
Miles said Friday that VA officials from Washington have ordered the hospital to clear the honeysuckle-and-pine-tree thicket.
The body of Leonard A. Cunningham, 44, of Lynchburg, was found Wednesday afternoon slumped against a tree near the edge of the thicket. Police said Cunningham apparently put a nylon rope around his neck and hanged himself.
Cunningham had been committed to the hospital, Miles said.
The body of Carl Otis McKenzie, 64, of Stuart, was found earlier in the day under a pine tree near the edge of a clearing about 50 yards up a hill from where Cunningham's body was found.
The spot where McKenzie's body was found was carpeted with honeysuckle vines that snag walkers' shoes. The vines did not significantly impede police officers who responded after a wandering patient came across McKenzie's body about 3 p.m. Wednesday.
McKenzie, who died from exposure, had not been committed to the hospital. Unless a patient is committed, the center cannot hold him against his will, according to Pat Clark, a spokeswoman for the hospital. Miles said hospital procedures require VA police to search the grounds when any patient is reported missing.
Although patients who are not committed are simply discharged if they are not found, a legal process begins for those who were committed to the hospital.
Committed patients include those who have a court-appointed legal guardian, are a danger to themselves or others, have been legally committed or lack the cognitive ability to make decisions.
Miles outlined the following procedure for handling missing committed patients:
When patients are reported missing, wards are searched and the VA police and the chief of nursing are notified.
The ward staff provides VA police with a description, including physical features, type of clothing, and height and weight.
VA police are provided with the patient's hospital chart, which advises them of the patient's medical condition.
VA police start a ground search.
Miles said that search includes all 220 acres of the hospital complex, except for overgrown areas.
If the patient is not found, Salem police are notified and a warrant is issued. The police in the patient's hometown also are notified.
Since January 1991, 60 committed patients have walked away from the hospital. All but Cunningham were found alive.
VA police, at least two officers per shift, will continue to patrol the grounds 24 hours a day.
Miles made no guarantees that future missing patients would be found during searches.
"If we had a patient that didn't want to be found," he said, "it would be difficult to find him."
Keywords:
FATALITY
by CNB