Dr. Sara J Walker, PhD

I am deeply troubled by Dr. Sara Walker's involvement in the approval of seclusion orders that resulted in an individual being held in seclusion for an extraordinarily prolonged period of time. According to publicly reported information, Dr. Walker personally signed 54 seclusion orders while serving as chief medical officer and interim superintendent. These approvals contributed to a system that allowed months of continuous isolation, culminating in approximately 250 days of seclusion before the individual's death. As a physician and administrator entrusted with the safety and well-being of vulnerable patients, Dr. Walker had both the authority and responsibility to question, review, and intervene when such extreme measures were repeatedly authorized. The fact that these orders continued to be approved raises serious concerns about oversight, clinical judgment, patient advocacy, and accountability. I believe the public deserves clear answers regarding how these decisions were made,… what safeguards existed to prevent prolonged isolation, and why intervention did not occur sooner. Patients and their families should be able to trust that medical professionals will prioritize humane treatment and patient safety above all else. I hope OHSU carefully considers these concerns and demonstrates a commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of vulnerable patients.