Hospital bankrupt after patient abuse

WAUCHULA, Fla. – A southwest Florida hospital that treats brain injuries has filed for bankruptcy, months after a state investigation into reports of patient abuse and neglect at the facility.

The Florida Institute for Neurologic Rehabilitation Inc. and three affiliated corporations filed for bankruptcy in Tampa Friday. Bloomberg News reports the hospital estimates owing between $3 million and $30 million to 103 to 346 creditors. Their estimated assets are at $150,000 or less.

Past abuse allegations claim staffers abused two autistic patients and another where a patient swallowed fish hooks and batteries in an attempt to escape.

The facility will remain open and a spokeswoman said negative media reports led to a significant decline in revenue. In a statement, the hospital maintained it was one of the best brain injury facilities nationally.