DALLAS — When reacting to former Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson’s death, state Senator Royce West, D-Dallas, didn’t mince words.
“And to lose her life because she didn’t receive quality care is just an indictment on our healthcare system here,” Sen. West told us on Inside Texas Politics.
Johnson, a longtime representative of North Texas in the U.S. House, died Sunday, Dec. 31, at 89.
Johnson’s family is alleging that 'medical negligence' led to her death, specifically pointing to an infection developed during a rehabilitation stay at the Baylor Scott & White Institute of Rehabilitation.
A copy of the former Congresswoman's death certificate shared at a recent press conference lists the cause of her death as osteomyelitis of the lumbar spine. Osteomyelitis is an infection in a bone, according to the Mayo Clinic.
The family’s attorney sent a pre-lawsuit notice to Baylor Scott & White Health System and the Institute for Rehabilitation.
In a statement in response to the allegations, a Baylor Scott & White Health spokesperson said, "Congresswoman Johnson was a longtime friend and champion in the communities we serve—she is an inspiration to all. We are committed to working directly with the Congresswoman’s family members and their counsel. Out of respect for patient privacy, we must limit our comments."
The release also noted that the rehab facility is owned and operated by Select Medical Holdings Corp. in Pennsylvania but carries the Baylor Scott & White name.
The relationship between Select Medical Holdings and Baylor Scott & White was unclear. Select Medical released a statement, saying, "Out of respect for patient privacy, we have no comment at this time."
West told us he thinks there will be a significant settlement between the hospital and the family, and he doesn't expect the case will ever go to trial.
“How in the world, if everything is true what has been said, how could you leave, not only Eddie Bernice Johnson but a patient, unsupervised for an extended period of time, I think based on what was being said, over an hour? It’s unfathomable. This will not go to trial,” said West
Eddie Bernice Johnson was first elected to the U.S. House in 1992, becoming the first registered nurse in the chamber. She retired last year after more than 30 years in the House.
In the early '70s, she was a member of the Texas House of Representatives, the first Black woman from Dallas ever elected to public office.
After that, Johnson served three terms as a state Senator.
Senator Royce West succeeded Johnson in District 23 when he was first elected to the Texas Senate in November 1992.
West says early in his career, Johnson gave him a book that helped him realize the essence of politics.
“She also said I’m going to teach you how to drink their whiskey, which I don’t drink, eat their food, and still vote against them,” West recalled. “And so, she taught me that lesson you allow people to have access, but you don’t allow the access to turn around (and) make a difference as it relates to what you think is the best interest of the district or the state.”
Sen. West says the former Congresswoman’s legacy will loom large over the state moving forward.
“Her legacy will be one of, like I said, being thought of in the same vein as a Lady Bird Johnson or other heroes and sheroes of the state of Texas. That she was a person that desired to make certain that women’s rights was on the front burner. She was an advocate around this country, around this world, for women’s rights,” said West.