Message from Linda DeBenedictis:

The New England Patients’ Rights Group has been advocating for the rights and protection of medical consumers since 1992.  As we take pride in our accomplishments, we must not lose sight of the work that needs to be achieved in the years ahead.  There is no doubt that health care continues to be in the forefront of our personal concerns as well as a major issue in our local and national agendas.

Malpractice becomes near and dear to our hearts when we have first hand experiences with its devastation and long lasting affects on our families and loved ones.  It’s equally outrageous to become the targets of attacks by the establishment which undermines the outrageous deaths and injuries.  Victims and their families, who seek justice though the legal system, are insulted and labeled, without justification, for filing “junk” and “frivolous” litigation.  It’s truly mind-boggling that our society would allow its defenseless citizens such a lack of respect and dignity.  No one is immune from becoming a victim of the horrors and isolation of malpractice and the financial consequences.

It’s inhumane that we are the only industrialized nation in the world that does not have universal health care because of the squabbling and profiteering of special interests.  As a result, we must depend on our employers to offer us affordable, decent insurance.  Working Americans forgo raises due to health care costs.  Many retirees lose their insurance coverage which contributes to financial hardships.  Senior citizens should not have to spend their golden years worrying about health care quality, cost, and coverage.  There is no doubt that the health care industry is big business.  Yet we are not true consumers as we would be in other aspects of our lives.  This affords us little control over the quality of care that we receive.

We do not have a health care system.  There is nothing “caring” about our frustrating, chaotic, an inefficient system.  Besides our astronomical personal insurance contributions and out of pocket expenses, we pay local, state, and federal taxes all earmarked to the multi-trillion dollar health care industry.  In the blink of an eye, we can find ourselves without insurance and one illness or malfeasance can and often does lead to bankruptcy.  Finances and profits take precedence over the health and well being of those seeking compassionate treatment.  This is a critical issue that can no longer be ignored by those in Washington.  These inequities must be resolved in order for our country to offer safe, affordable health care to all of its citizens.

(Note:  The website is a synopsis of   the multitude of issues, forums, rallies, articles, and local and national print and TV media outreach by NEPRG over the years.)

The New England Patients’ Rights Group, Inc. does not endorse any treatment protocol or provider.  We believe that the consumer must have the “right” to make an “informed” decision after receiving accurate/unbiased information and honest outcome data.

What is Success
To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty;
To find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived;
This is to have succeeded.