Strong spokeswoman says, 'Batavia Police did their jobs' in notifying hospital

Strong emergency personnel did receive notice from Batavia Police that a 49-year-old Le Roy woman hit by a car on East Main Street last week did show signs of maybe trying to harm herself, a spokeswoman said this afternoon.

Strong's Director of Communications Teri D'Agostino called The Batavian to report that upon a deeper review of the charts for the patient, it's clear emergency room personnel received a phone call from a Batavia Police officer about the accident investigation.

Several witnesses told police that the woman appeared to have intentionally stepped in front of a car at the intersection of East Main and Elm streets.

Based on an earlier, quick review of documents, the hospital concluded staff had not been notified. We reported that finding yesterday, which contradicted statements from police supervisors.

When D'Agostino called today, she apologized several times for providing incorrect information.

"We've had further opportunity to talk with staff about this particular patient care and it's very clear that the Batavia Police did their jobs," D'Agostino said. "Our staff did know about the information that she may have intended to harm herself."

D'Agostino said the hospital is doing a thorough review now trying to understand the interaction between the patient, her family and medical staff.

"We're trying to understand how that information was used and how it was incorporated into the treatment in the emergency room," D'Agostino said.

The woman, whose name has not been released by authorities, killed herself Saturday morning, less than 48 hours after being admitted to Strong.