Recording captures alleged anti-gay commentary at Chester physical therapy office
Patient says she recorded staff and another patient laughing during a conversation that included anti-gay slurs. Access Physical Therapy says it is investigating and does not tolerate discriminatory behavior.
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A Chester physical therapy office says it is reviewing allegations of inappropriate and unprofessional conduct after a 20-year-old patient says she recorded a conversation between staff and patients involving homophobic remarks inside the facility.
The patient’s mother contacted News 12, saying her daughter was attending an appointment on July 30 at Access Physical Therapy and Wellness, located at 78 Brookside Ave. in Chester, when other patients and staff began making anti-gay comments.
Her daughter started recording the exchange on her phone. In the 44-second recording, voices in the background can be heard making and laughing at homophobic remarks, including the use of anti-gay slurs and comments such as “you are gay as sh*t,” “gayer than AIDS,” and “what does gay stand for? Got AIDS yet?”
The family alleges the conversation transpired in an open treatment room where two physical therapists and three other patients were. It is not clear from the recording who is making the comments. The family says the appointment lasted about 10 minutes before they decided to leave. The mother told News 12 their primary concern was bringing attention to what happened and ensuring they would not be billed for the visit.
The mother and her daughter declined an on-camera interview but gave News 12 permission to use the recording.
In a statement to News 12, Access Physical Therapy said it is aware of the video and is taking the matter “very seriously.”
The company said it is “promptly reviewing the matter and taking appropriate actions based on findings,” but could not comment further because of patient confidentiality and personnel matters.
The statement added that conduct that makes anyone feel unsafe or unwelcome is inconsistent with the company’s values and standard of care, that it “does not tolerate discriminatory or offensive behavior,” and that it remains committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for employees, patients and the community.
