Every Patient’s Right: Ending Isolation In Healthcare, a podcast of The NEVER Alone Project

About Every Patient’s Right: Ending Isolation In Healthcare, a podcast of The NEVER Alone Project

What would you do if the person you loved most in the world was about to die in isolation and you couldn't be with them? Every Patient's Right: Ending Isolation in Healthcare is a powerful podcast by Steve Reiter, sharing the deeply personal story of losing his wife, Elizabeth, due to strict isolation policies during the pandemic. Through his experience and those of countless others, Steve highlights the emotional and physical toll of being separated from loved ones during critical medical moments. This show investigates how these policies came to be, the long-term consequences for patients and families, and why love, touch, and advocacy are essential to healing. Featuring interviews with survivors, medical experts, and policymakers, the show explores what went wrong and how to ensure no patient is ever left alone again. With insights from grief and trauma specialists, Every Patient's Right provides tools for healing while advocating for legislation to protect patients' visitation rights. Join Steve on this vital journey to bring change to healthcare and ensure no one is forced to die alone.

Publisher

The NEVER Alone Project

Category

government · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

17 Dec 2024

Latest episode

5 May 2026

Latest episodes

24 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   5 May 2026

   Teresa Olivieri - No Answers, No Access: When the Medical System Fails #23

   She wasn't just a wife—she was a hospital administrator. And still, they wouldn't let her see her husband before he died. Welcome to "Every Patient's Right (TNAP)." In today's episode, Steve sits down with Teresa Olivieri, a former hospital administrator whose husband, Kurt, was left isolated during his final days in the hospital. Despite her insider knowledge, Teresa Olivieri was denied visits, left in the dark about critical medical decisions, and only learned about Kurt's transfer through the county sheriff. Her story exposes the deep harm caused by patient isolation and failed communication. Join us as Teresa Olivieri recounts her heartbreaking experience and calls for vital legislation to protect every patient's right to have a loved one by their side. Outline: (00:04) Podcast introduction and guest story (06:35) Rushing to see Kurt (10:10) Requesting an aftercare meeting (12:07) Addressing hospital policy gaps (16:04) Advocating for patient support (19:37) Discussing Kurt's medical care (22:37) Discussing end-of-life experiences (24:54) Remembering Kurt's guidance (27:49) Ending isolation in healthcare About the Guest: Teresa Olivieri lives with her family near Otter Tail Lake in Minnesota's scenic lake country. In September, she experienced firsthand the challenges of the healthcare system when her loved one was admitted to the hospital in Fergus Falls after a long and chaotic emergency room visit. After his admission, Teresa was separated from him and kept informed only through brief daily calls with his physician, always hoping for a chance to see him. Teresa's story reflects her resilience and deep devotion to family despite difficult circumstances. About The Host:  Steve Reiter is the founder of the Never Alone Project and the host of its podcast, "Every Patient's Right, Ending Isolation and Healthcare." He lost his wife to forced isolation on May 19, 2020, and believes no one should die alone. The show delves into the significant issue of forced medical isolation that began in March 2020, examining its profound effects on patients and exploring ways to balance essential medical care with the nurturing human contact that aids healing and recovery. Steve's dedication to this cause highlights his commitment to advocating humane treatment in healthcare settings. Share your story, learn more, listen, and subscribe at:  neveraloneproject.org

2. 

   21 Apr 2026

   Dr. Richard Leiter & Dr. Samantha Gelfand - Courageous Doctors Who Spoke Out Against Isolation #22

   Dr. Richard Leiter and Dr. Samantha Gelfand were among the few doctors to publicly speak out about the dangers of hospital isolation in 2020. In January 2021, they wrote an OpEd for StatNews titled, "Even during a pandemic, hospitals must make family visits and communication the standard of care." In this episode, host Steve Reiter sits down with Dr. Leiter and Dr. Gelfand, palliative care physicians who witnessed the devastating impact of hospital isolation policies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing from their experiences in Boston's COVID ICUs, they share moving stories about families separated at their loved ones' bedsides, the moral and ethical challenges clinicians faced, and how virtual tools like iPads helped—but couldn't fully replace—human connection. Tune in for an honest conversation about how we must learn from the past, restore patient dignity, and make sure no one ever faces medical isolation alone again. Outline: (00:02) Palliative Care in COVID ICUs (03:59) Supporting Families Remotely (07:33) Visitor Policies and Advocacy Concerns (11:17) "Heartbreak Amid Pandemic Restrictions" (17:18) Resilience in Palliative Care Teams (21:31) Defining "End of Life" Ambiguity (24:08) "Support Patient Visitation Rights" (25:56) Hospital Chaplain Access Inequity Solved (30:19) Family Role in Patient Care (35:12) Healing Together Through Collaboration (37:56) "Human Connection in Healthcare" (40:45) Shifting Perspectives During Crisis (44:25) Reopening Benchmarks and Transparency About the Guest: Dr. Samantha Gelfand understood the necessity of strict visitor restrictions in hospitals, prioritizing safety above all else. As time passed, however, she witnessed firsthand the growing moral distress among her colleagues and trainees, including Ricky and Mai, as they grappled with balancing evolving safety protocols, vaccination status, and the essential human need for connection. Dr. Gelfand became a thoughtful advocate for patient rights, emphasizing the importance of family support during illness while navigating the complexities and ethical dilemmas posed by the pandemic. Dr. Richard Leiter is a dedicated physician specializing in palliative care, a medical field focused on helping patients and their families navigate the challenges of serious illness. As part of an interdisciplinary palliative care team in Boston, Dr. Leiter played a vital role during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when hospital ICUs were transformed to meet the crisis. In March 2020, he and his colleagues faced unique challenges caring for intubated, sedated patients who couldn't communicate directly. Despite these obstacles, Dr. Leiter committed himself to symptom management, guiding families through difficult medical decisions, and providing compassionate support during an unprecedented time. About The Host:  Steve Reiter is the founder of the Never Alone Project and the host of its podcast, "Every Patient's Right, Ending Isolation and Healthcare." He lost his wife to forced isolation on May 19, 2020, and believes no one should die alone. The show delves into the significant issue of forced medical isolation that began in March 2020, examining its profound effects on patients and exploring ways to balance essential medical care with the nurturing human contact that aids healing and recovery. Share your story, learn more, listen, and subscribe at:  neveraloneproject.org

3. 

   14 Apr 2026

   Catherine Bonnet - A Wife Locked Out and a Husband Lost to Medical Isolation #21

   He called her one last time before they took his phone. "I love you," he said. "Get better. I'll find a way in." Welcome to "Every Patient's Right (TNAP)." In this episode, we bring you the powerful story of Catherine Bonnet, whose husband Ian was suddenly hospitalized with COVID in September 2021. Like so many families during the pandemic, Catherine was forced to advocate from outside the hospital doors—navigating limited information, denied visitation, and impossible decisions, all while her husband faced his toughest battle alone. Through Catherine's firsthand account, we see the painful realities of restricted hospital access and what is truly lost when families are separated from loved ones in critical moments. Her story is both a heartbreaking cautionary tale and a call to action for compassionate, patient-centered care. Join us as we explore the urgent need to keep patients and families connected, no matter the circumstances. Outline: (00:01) Going to urgent care (07:46) Dealing with medication side effects (20:18) Feeling powerless during intubation (23:53) Waiting for medical updates (30:23) Difficult updates about a loved one (32:05) Advocating for patient support (41:34) Preparing for palliative care planning (44:42) Visiting husband in Covid ICU (48:25) Processing difficult medical possibilities (53:13) Sharing life-changing news with family (01:01:06) Possible remdesivir side effects (01:06:26) Coping with loss and resilience About the Guest: Catherine Bonnet is known for her attentive and compassionate nature. When her loved one began feeling unwell—thinking it was just a cold and continuing with daily routines—Catherine remained observant and concerned, as sickness was rare for him. Recognizing the approaching holiday weekend and the importance of timely care, she suggested a visit to urgent care if he didn't improve by Friday. True to her caring instincts, Catherine accompanied him the next morning, ready to support him through uncertainty. Their trip revealed the seriousness of his condition, as he struggled upon arrival and was not immediately admitted. Catherine's story highlights her profound sense of responsibility and dedication to those she cares for, especially in difficult times. About The Host:  Steve Reiter is the founder of the Never Alone Project and the host of its podcast, "Every Patient's Right, Ending Isolation and Healthcare." He lost his wife to forced isolation on May 19, 2020, and believes no one should die alone. The show delves into the significant issue of forced medical isolation that began in March 2020, examining its profound effects on patients and exploring ways to balance essential medical care with the nurturing human contact that aids healing and recovery. Steve's dedication to this cause highlights his commitment to advocating humane treatment in healthcare settings. Share your story, learn more, listen, and subscribe at:  neveraloneproject.org

Podcast Authority Score: 31 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

61

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0

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