Latest news with #OPD
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Lawsuit pending against indicted former OPD officer
A former Owensboro Police Department officer who was indicted last year for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman is being sued by the alleged victim in Daviess Circuit Court. The suit was filed by 'Jane Doe,' who is only identified by her initials in the complaint, against former OPD officer Aleph Zavala and against OPD Chief Art Ealum. The lawsuit is currently winding its way through circuit court, with the last ruling occurring last month. The civil lawsuit is the second case Zavala faces. Zavala was indicted on charges of first-degree sodomy, first-degree strangulation and first-degree sexual abuse in connection with a Dec. 8, 2023 incident, where Zavala allegedly assaulted the woman, who was homeless, while she was staying overnight in a storage unit on West Parrish Avenue. The incident allegedly occurred after officers were called to the U-Haul storage facility to reports of a possible burglary. Reports regarding the incident say officers decided to let Jane Doe stay in the storage unit overnight. All of the officers left, except Zavala, who went back inside the unit and allegedly performed a sex act on the woman, attempted to get her to perform a sex act and choked her during the incident. Zavala's body camera was not in use during the time of the alleged incident. Zavala was fired by OPD in February of last year, after an investigation by the department's Professional Standards Unit. Zavala was indicted on the charges in May of last year. Zavala is currently scheduled to go to trial on the charges on Sept. 15. Zavala, who is out of jail on house arrest after posting a $10,000 bond, will next appear in court for a pretrial hearing in August. The complaint names both Zavala and Ealum in their official capacities with OPD. The complaint says the criminal charges against Zavala 'highlight the serious nature of the offenses against' Jane Doe, and also says the incident calls OPD into question. 'The incident also calls attention to the systemic failures within the Owensboro Police Department, specifically the failure to train and supervise on the part of (Ealum),' the complaint says. 'Such deliberate indifference in oversight and training directly contributed to the sexual assault of the plaintiff.' The complaint seeks compensation against Zavala for battery, negligence and gross negligence, and for 'failure to train and supervise' Zavala against Ealum. The complaint seeks compensation for physical and emotional injuries and punitive damages. The city is not representing Zavala in the civil suit, but did file a response regarding him because Zavala was being sued in his official capacity as a then-police officer. In the response, attorney Patrick Pace says while Zavala was working as an OPD officer on Dec. 8, 2023, the city 'expressly denies that Zavala was acting under color of law and within the scope of his employment with OPD during said incident.' Regarding the incident in the storage unit, the city's response says it admits Zavala went back inside the unit with his body camera off and and without informing dispatch, but says 'the city is without knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations' of the incident, 'and therefore denies same.' Regarding Ealum being named in the suit, Pace wrote in his response, 'The city denies the premise of the allegations ... and expressly denies that the alleged 'said failure to train and supervise his officers' occurred.' Pace wrote the city admits 'Zavala violated some OPD rules and standard operating procedures, but (the city) expressly denies that Zavala was acting within the scope of his employment' during the alleged incident. Zavala also filed a response through his attorney, Mary Sharp. Sharp wrote Zavala 'denies any allegations of misconduct as stated' in the complaint. Regarding the alleged incident, Sharp wrote Zavala 'maintains that no non-consensual actions occurred.' Sharp asked that the complaint against Zavala be dismissed with prejudice, which would bar the complaint from ever being raised in court again. The last action in the case was in April, when Daviess Circuit Judge David Payne denied Jane Doe's motion for summary judgment against Zavala. There are currently no hearings scheduled in the civil case.
News18
3 days ago
- Health
- News18
Covid Surge Packs Hospital OPDs: Hoarse Voice, Watery Diarrhoea & Fever Common Complaints
Last Updated: According to experts dealing with patients at hospital OPDs and admissions, the recovery period after infection in most individuals in this current wave is 'reasonably short' Hoarse voice, throat pain, diarrhoea, mild stomach cramps, and fever are currently the most commonly reported Covid-19 symptoms in hospital outpatient departments (OPDs) across India. While hospitals are not observing a significant rise in ICU admissions directly attributable to Covid, there has been a sharp increase in OPD visits. Over the past 10 days, patient footfall has surged by three to four times, indicating a noticeable uptick in mild to moderate cases. The currently circulating variants—primarily JN.1, NB.1.8.1, and LF.7, all sublineages of Omicron—are associated with high transmissibility but relatively mild clinical manifestations in the general population. However, individuals with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, chronic respiratory illnesses, or compromised immunity, as well as the elderly and young children, may remain at elevated risk. 'At present, we are not seeing a surge in ICU admissions due to Covid-19 directly. However, we are witnessing a marked increase in OPD footfall, with patient visits increasing by nearly three to four times in the past 10 days," Dr Pradeep Bajad, senior consultant, pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine at Faridabad-based Amrita Hospital, told News18. 'There is a noticeable sense of panic and heightened health vigilance, especially among individuals with existing comorbidities, senior citizens, and parents of young children." Common symptoms The typical symptom profile being reported at hospital OPDs includes low-grade, persistent fever, dry or irritated cough, hoarse voice, nasal congestion or mild runny nose, fatigue and muscle aches, headache, mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or diarrhoea, and throat discomfort or sore throat. The presentation is feverish for most, lasting only a few days. Various upper respiratory symptoms, including hoarse voice and throat pain, also resolve within a day or two. Dr Charudatt Vaity, director of critical care at Fortis Hospital Mulund, noted that some people are also presenting with complaints of hoarseness or loss of voice. However, he said, the typical symptoms associated with earlier waves of Covid-19, such as loss of smell and taste, are not common now. In most cases, according to Dr Suranjit Chatterjee, senior consultant, internal medicine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, the illness resembles a seasonal viral infection. 'It is reassuring." Dr Chatterjee has seen a modest uptick in OPD consultations for fever, sore throat, and upper respiratory symptoms, but these, he believes, 'are largely routine and manageable with symptomatic treatment. Hence, there is no cause for alarm at this stage, but we are closely monitoring the situation." If suffering from diarrhoea, opt for Covid testing One of the most common symptoms, so far, is painless, watery diarrhoea. 'Many are coming in with diarrhoea. Painless, watery stools for a day or two followed by severe lethargy or fatigue. Lethargy can persist for weeks post-discharge from the hospital. So, any patient who presents with unexplained diarrhoea, check for COVID-19," said Dr Chatterjee. Similarly, Dr Arup Halder, consultant pulmonologist at CMRI Hospital, Kolkata, told News18 that this time around, some gastrointestinal symptoms have been observed, such as loose motion, nausea, or mild abdominal cramps, notably in young patients. These symptoms are not severe in most cases, and a significant number of patients can recover at home without hospitalisation. Dr Bajad explained that the JN.1 variant has demonstrated a tendency to present with gastrointestinal symptoms and prolonged low-grade fever, which distinguishes it from earlier strains. Echoing a similar observation, Dr Vaity from Fortis Hospital told News18 that he has been seeing patients complaining of mild gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhoea and nausea. Recovery period According to experts dealing with patients at hospital OPDs and admissions, the recovery period after infection in most individuals in this current wave is reasonably short. 'Several feel better by the third or fourth day. Elderly people or those with underlying severe illnesses might take a little longer to recover fully; meanwhile, even in this group, we are not witnessing prolonged illness or chronic complications as we did in earlier phases of the pandemic," Dr Halder from Kolkata said, adding that presently, there are no patients in the ICUs with Covid-related complications. However, he said, OPD consultations have increased for people with fever and cold-like symptoms. Overall, for the vast majority of individuals, especially those who are otherwise healthy, recovery occurs within four to seven days. Patients are generally able to manage their symptoms at home with adequate rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications such as paracetamol for fever and pain relief. Experts told News18 that most cases seen so far do not require antiviral drugs or hospitalisation, underscoring the relatively mild nature of the currently circulating virus strain. However, individuals with comorbidities, the elderly, and those who are immunocompromised should continue to exercise caution by maintaining basic hygiene practices, wearing masks in crowded areas, and not ignoring flu-like symptoms. Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Covid fever health hospital First Published:
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Pedestrian dead, another injured after CHP chase in Oakland: police
The Brief A pedestrian was killed and another was injured after a chase with the CHP in Oakland. There was another crash scene not too far away. The CHP said an officer was chasing someone in a stolen car. OAKLAND, Calif. - A pedestrian was killed and another was injured following a chase with a California Highway Patrol officer in Oakland, police said, adding that a suspect involved in the chase has been arrested. CHP Officer Andy Barclay said one of his agency's units was trying to stop the driver of a stolen car. What we know Oakland police spokesman Paul Chambers said the CHP was chasing a car in Oakland on Wednesday at about 7:45 p.m. at the corner of East 21st Street and 12th Avenue. The CHP ended the chase at some point, Chambers said, and the driver of the suspect vehicle "continued to drive recklessly" into the neighborhood of Park Boulevard and East 21st Street. That's where the driver "lost control" and struck two people on the sidewalk, Chambers said. One of the pedestrians was a man in his 40s, and he was pronounced dead on scene, Chambers said. The other pedestrian was a woman, also in her 40s, and she was taken to the hospital, where Chambers said she is now in "stable condition." Chambers said that the suspect got out of the car – which, from the scene, appeared to be an Infiniti with no plates – and ran but was taken into custody by CHP. What we don't know Police have yet to release the identity of the pedestrians or the suspect. Chambers also didn't say how long the chase lasted. Chambers said the CHP is investigating the pursuit and OPD is investigating the death. Big picture view The issue of police chases is a controversial one. Many in law enforcement, including Gov. Gavin Newsom, say officers need as many tools as they can to go after people who commit crimes. Others argue that it's not worth killing or injuring people – especially innocent bystanders – during the pursuit. The California Highway Patrol has looser rules on chasing suspects than Oakland police do. Recently, the Oakland police chief asked the police commission to loosen one particular aspect of city chase rules, where an officer would no longer have to request permission from a supervisor to drive faster than 50 mph. Earlier this month, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Oakland police can be held responsible when bystanders are injured, or killed, during reckless pursuits. The ruling was a victory for the family of Lolomanaia "Lolo" Soakai, who was killed in a freak accident in June 2022, when a motorcycle landed on top of him following an authorized Oakland police chase of another suspect while he was out with his mother at a taco truck. Anyone with information is asked to contact the OPD Traffic Section at (510)777-8570. If anyone has videos, please send them to cidvideos@
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Improving healthcare in UP govt hosps: Facility heads instructed to take rounds, click picture & upload
Heads of all government hospitals have been directed to take rounds of wards before OPD starts in the morning and in the evening, interact with patients, check the quality of food being served, and check the functioning of services at all counters on the hospital campus. In a letter issued by principal secretary, medical and health, Partha Sarthi Sen Sharma, to all chief medical superintendents of government hospitals, the doctors have been instructed, 'To click pictures of rounds taken and upload the same on WhatsApp group.' 'For making patients comfortable in hospital and for a better image of the facility, it is significant that staff behaviour is good and services are provided. Speaking with a few patients will help understand their issues and they can be resolved too.' Checking of patient care services is to be done regularly. Get the food supplied to patients tested by the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FDA) officials, the doctors have been told. Check if the hospital staff is forcing patients to purchase medicines or any other consumable from outside stores, the letter instructs the hospital incharges. During summer, functioning of air coolers and water coolers should be checked along with electrical fitting and wiring. During the rounds take supervisors of outsourcing agencies along, so that issues concerning them are resolved. 'If the hospital in-charge is not present, the next senior most doctors should take the round,' said Sen Sharma, who is also principal secretary medical education. Members of the Rogi Kalyan Samiti shall be included while on the rounds and their recommendations be forwarded to director-general, medical and health, or director, medical care via additional director, health, the letter instructs.
New Indian Express
5 days ago
- Health
- New Indian Express
Delhi hospitals report rise in patients with flu-like symptoms
NEW DELHI: OPDs are witnessing a surge in patients with flu-like symptoms amid a fresh rise in Covid-19 cases linked to a new SARS-CoV-2 variant. In response, hospitals have started issuing advisories urging staff to avoid gatherings within the premises and reintroduce social distancing protocols. Dr Vikas Mittal, Director, Department of Respiratory Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Punjabi Bagh and Director Wellness Home Clinic and Sleep Centre said there has been a spike in OPD with cases of flu. 'Yes we are seeing flu like cases in our OPD and personal level we are taking precautions,' he said.
