DocketNumber: No. 555966
Citation Numbers: 2001 Conn. Super. Ct. 16454
Judges: PURTILL, JUDGE TRIAL REFEREE. CT Page 16455
Filed Date: 12/12/2001
Status: Non-Precedential
Modified Date: 4/18/2021
For reasons hereinafter stated, the petition is dismissed.
From the evidence, it is found that on January 8th, 1998, petitioner was convicted of five counts of robbery in violation of Connecticut General Statutes §
After hospitalization, on September 9, 1998, petitioner was diagnosed as having Crohn's disease. This condition has caused petitioner to suffer abdominal pain, vomiting and weight loss. Petitioner's medical history introduced into evidence indicates that he has received extensive medical assistance for this disease and other maladies which he has suffered while in custody.
Dr. Mingzer Tong, a physician affiliated with the Department of Corrections, testified that he was familiar with petitioner's case and continues to treat him for such disease. Dr. Tong confirmed that petitioner was suffering from Crohn's disease. He stated that the disease consists of an inflammation of the lower intestines. There is at present no known cure for the disease, but it can be treated with medication and diet. Petitioner has in the past been treated with medication, but he no longer requires this treatment.
A low-fat, low-fiber diet has been prescribed for petitioner who is aware of what food he can and cannot eat. He also receives three times a day a resource which is a dietary supplement designed to make up for any deficiencies in petitioner's diet.
It was noted that petitioner has, in fact, gained weight recently.
David Potz, the food service supervisor at petitioner's present place of incarceration, testified as to the efforts made by himself and the department dietician to provide petitioner with food which is tailored to his needs. Effort is being made to substitute items in the daily diet to CT Page 16456 accommodate petitioner's requirements. He was also given a job in the kitchen which should facilitate his receiving sufficient food within his dietary restrictions.
The food served in the prison is purchased packaged and prepared. This food is then heated and served. Under these conditions at times petitioner continues to receive food which contains items which he should not eat. Petitioner is aware of which foods he should not eat and at times may be required to remove items, such as breading from fish and corn from mixed vegetables.
The evidence indicates that the Department of Correction is making a strong effort to provide petitioner with the treatment required by his condition and with the prescribed low fat, low-fiber diet.
"In Sanchez v. Warden,
In view of the evidence in this case, the court cannot make a finding of deliberate indifference on the part of respondent.
Accordingly, the petition is dismissed.
Joseph J. Purtill Judge Trial Referee