On behalf of Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice, I’m writing to share my disappointment concerning inaccuracies in the story (June 8) about Arthur Boivin’s care for his wife.

When contacted by the reporter, she described only the general circumstances of Mr. Boivin’s situation without ever informing me directly of his or his wife’s name. Despite this, the story leaves the reader with the impression I shared specific patient information.

Because AHCH honors the privacy rights of all patients, it is important to clarify the following points:

• I did not release information about Mrs. Boivin receiving “daily care from AHCH.” This information was not known to me at the time of our conversation.

• I did not use the words “very possible” in commenting on whether Mr. Boivin was potentially misinformed about the need for a specific DNR order from his wife’s physician. Doing so would have been purely speculative and unprofessional.

• When I commented on our intent to investigate the case she described, I did not characterize it as “what went wrong.” I would never prejudge any action ahead of the facts.

AHCH recognizes the importance of providing education on advanced health care directives. Patients under our care are also provided with assistance in obtaining DNR orders if this is their wish.

We’re grateful to Mr. Boivin for reaching out to us following this story to invite us to join him in working to clarify and simplify the standards for DNR orders for those who may face these issues in the future.

Julie Shackley, interim president/CEO, Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice

Editor’s note: The Sun Journal stands by its reporting and the story.

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