A top emergency room doctor operating on the frontlines of New York City’s coronavirus epidemic committed suicide over the weekend, members of her family have reported. Dr Lorna M. Breen, the medical director of the New York-Presbyterian Allen Hospital emergency department, died on Sunday in Charlottesville, Virginia.
In the days prior to her death, the 48-year-old allegedly told family members about a series of horrific scenes she’d seen working at Manhattan hospital, such as an attack of patients dying in front of her before they’d even be separated from ambulances.
Breen had recently entered into a deal with COVID-19 but had returned to work at Allen after a week and a half break. She returned to Charlottesville after the hospital sent her home to recover under her father’s orders, Dr Philip C. Breen.
However, on Sunday, Charlottesville Police Department officers responded to a call for medical help after Breen made any attempt at her own life.
Doctor’s Father Weeps for his Daughter
Only days ago, Breen’s father recalled how, when dealing with Allen’s coronavirus patients, she was disturbed by the horrific scenes she’d witnessed.
The weeping 71-year-old father said Breen had no mental disorder background. But he realized his daughter appeared distant and started to worry. It is something which could be wrong during their final conversation together.
NewYork-Presbyterian Allen Hospital has still not returned an application for comment from DailyMail.com. Dr Angela Mills is the head of emergency medical services for many NewYork-Presbyterian campuses. It also includes Allen who told staff in an email on Sunday night about Breen’s tragic death.
The 200-bed Allen Hospital is n northern Manhattan. It is routinely overwhelming since the epidemic beginning. Sometimes it hosts as many as 170 COVID-19 patients. Dr Dara Kass, an emergency medicine physician worked with Breen at the hospital. It said that even though she was at home recovering from the flu, Breen always attended call her colleagues. She frequently checks on if they had all the necessary medical equipment.
