Froedtert ThedaCare Health, a system dually headquartered in Milwaukee and Neenah, Wis., is apologizing for turning away a Milwaukee police officer for seeking care while on duty and carrying a department-issued firearm.
In an April 16 letter shared with Becker’s, Bryce Gartland, MD, South Region president, said the system regrets the incident.
“To this officer involved and our law enforcement community, we apologize for this incident,” Dr. Gartland said. “In addition to protecting the interests of our community, you also protect our patients and the thousands of team members who work alongside you to provide care for our communities. We are grateful for your everyday acts of bravery and selflessness.”
Dr. Gartland’s letter did not provide specific details about the incident. CBS affiliate WDJT reported that the officer was not feeling well while on duty and visited a Froedtert FastCare clinic.
Alexander Ayala, president of the Milwaukee Police Association, the union that represents officers, told the news station, “I don’t understand how this happened, like I said. I’m appalled that it happened. I don’t think anyone should get denied medical treatment.”
Following the incident, state lawmakers signed a letter to Froedtert condemning the system for denying care to a uniformed police officer seeking treatment, which they called “indefensible” and “dangerous,” according to Wisconsin Right Now, which first reported the incident.
The lawmakers also expressed concern that Froedtert policies could be limiting the ability of law enforcement to interview victims, suspects and witnesses while on its premises.
They called on Froedtert to issue a public apology to the officer involved and “review and reverse any policies that would lead to the denial of care to law enforcement, explain the reason behind policies that limit officers’ ability to carry out their work while on premises and seem to require security accompaniment for police, and implement guidelines that enable them to effectively carry out their responsibilities while on your premises.”
In his letter, Dr. Gartland clarified that authorized security and law enforcement officers are allowed to possess weapons on their property and said the system is working to clarify policies and educate staff to help ensure such an incident does not occur again.
“We have reached out to contact the impacted patient and connected with our partners at the Milwaukee Police Department to help ensure a positive relationship and experience for everyone we collectively serve,” Dr. Gartland said. “We look forward to continuing to partner to improve the health and betterment of our communities.”
