New York State Health Department Investigating Joan Rivers Case

New York state health officials have opened an investigation into the clinic on the Upper East Side where Joan Rivers became unresponsive during vocal chord surgery on August 28th.

“The State Health Department is investigating the matter,” agency spokesman James O'Hare confirmed to the Daily News today.

Yorkville Endoscopy on E. 93rd St. opened in February 2013, boasting state-of-the-art surgical care fronted by physicians at New York Gastroenterology. The clinic drew a high-paying clientele, as evidenced by Rivers's patronage. However, the unexpected incident with Rivers, in which the comedian went into sudden cardiac and respiratory arrest during surgery, has put the clinic under both public and governmental scrutiny. There's no indication of what penalties the clinic could face as a result of the investigation, but the fact that there's an investigation at all seems to indicate that there's at least the suspicion of wrongdoing or error.

As for Rivers's current condition, the star was transferred to a private hospital suite at Mount Sinai in New York City. The room is reportedly “decorated by celebrity wedding planner Preston Bailey with flowers, bows, plants,” according to close friend Cindy Adams. A white faux mink blanket covers her, while a CD of songs from the Broadway classic Oklahoma! plays in her room.

Some in the medical community are speculating that the room transfer could signal the end of the fight for Rivers, as the family could be transitioning to palliative care.

“If she is off all life support and in a private room, and resting comfortably, it's possible the family is waiting for nature to take its course," said an emergency medicine doctor at a "prominent" New York hospital.

Just a sad story. Our thoughts are with Joan and her family.

Via: New York Daily News

Credit: Evan Agostini/AP