Centerpoint Medical Center/ Independence, Mo. (rental, attorney, home)

[Marianne M.]

I am disabled.
I have a small service dog.
I went thru the doors of the E.R. at the
Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence, Mo. on Saturday Feb.14,09,but since it was approx. 1:30a.m., the date would have really been Sunday Feb. 15,09.
A security guard stopped me telling me I could not come in with my dog. I had already been in the 4th floor staying with my Mom, as she had surgery the day before. I had left my purse in her room. I was meeting another family member downstairs.
He acted like he was going to argue and force me to leave as I was trying to explain about the dog. I guess I should have called the police.
According to the A.D.A., he was out of line asking
me to leave after I told him she was a service dog and following me. I did, however tell him I had proof upstairs in the room and he could follow me for the proof. I showed him the papers I had and he left me alone. Again, according to the A.D.A.,
I do not have to show anything to anyone. But I do carry papers in case this situation does occur.
I do not recommend this hospital as they have not worked all the bugs out yet. They are not well staffed and obviously not properly trained, at least in this area. Perhaps they are ignorant to the A.D.A. laws for service dogs, but a hospital should know, I would think, and pass on this info to their employees. I never had a problem with anyone else except this one Security guard.
Feeling discriminated against, I will never go back,
and intend to pursue further action.

[kcmo]

I wish people would chill out and not freak out every time something bad happens to them.

If I boycotted or "pursued further action" every time something like this happened to me, I would be home all the time on the phone with my attorney.

Just saying try to live life and don't take instances such as this so personally. I understand it sucks, but it's not worth losing sleep over.

I’m a photographer and you would not believe how many times I have bee hassled by rental cops and real cops for taking photos. I’m treated like a damn terrorist because I take photos of public structures.

People are idiots. Let it go and move on.

[kcmo70]

It’s too bad you had a bad experience with this hospital but having one bad experience with a guard and posting a bad review for a hospital over the internet for the world to see just isn’t fare. My mother is in this hospital since Friday, Feb 6. She was in the ICU for a week and has had excellent care. She is now in a regular room waiting to gain her strength back to go into rehab and then home. I guess you have done your “venting” but how about telling us about the healthcare your mother has received.
If I was the guard, I would also want to see some papers confirming the dog's presence. I bet a lot of people try to sneak pets of the patents in to brighten up their day.

[mjb62676]

Originally Posted by kcmo70

It’s too bad you had a bad experience with this hospital but having one bad experience with a guard and posting a bad review for a hospital over the internet for the world to see just isn’t fare. My mother is in this hospital since Friday, Feb 6. She was in the ICU for a week and has had excellent care. She is now in a regular room waiting to gain her strength back to go into rehab and then home. I guess you have done your “venting” but how about telling us about the healthcare your mother has received.
If I was the guard, I would also want to see some papers confirming the dog's presence. I bet a lot of people try to sneak pets of the patents in to brighten up their day.

Bingo.

I can't believe this is even an issue. Some 7 dollar an hour security guard is just trying to do his job, so you're gonna "pursue further action".

Classic.

From what I can tell, the guard didn't do anything wrong. Sorry the OP feels this way, but maybe you should look at it from their point of view.

I am curious about what service this dog performs...just to educate myself.