New & Noteworthy...Inmate Death Triggers Prison Health Service InquiryMontpelier, Vermont -- July 13, 2007 Vermont's prison health service has been accused of contributing to the death of a former inmate. The non-profit agency that monitors prison health care made the charges at a statehouse press conference. The Vermont Protection and Advocacy agency says 37-year-old Michael Estabrook was denied proper medical care for his critical health problems while in prison last year -- and died soon after release. "Michael was last incarcerated at a time when it was well-known that he had a serious heat condition," said Ed Paquin, Exec. Dir. of Vermont Protection and Advocacy, speaking to the press. "It may well have been inevitable that Michael would not live to old age, but our investigation shows that his treatment could perhaps have led to a different outcome." Corrections Commissioner Rob Hofmann says records prove that Estabrook was properly treated. Hofmann says the records show that Estabrook did not comply with his doctors' orders -- both in and out of prison. For example, Hoffman says Estabrook continued to smoke despite orders to stop because he suffered from emphysema. Estabrook's family is considering filing a lawsuit. Brian Joyce - WCAX News |