The lawsuit against Valley Regional Medical Center in Brownsville alleged the hospital violated the law by retaliating against seven former nurses who made "good faith reports" of "unsafe patient condition," according to documents from the suit’s original petition that Action 4 News exclusively obtained.
One of the plaintiffs, Ramiro Castillo, spoke to Action 4 News about the legal against the hospital.
"We have written documentation since November of last year that shows that we have tried our best to communicate with them [VRMC] ... And have yet to find any resolution," he said over the telephone.
The nurses were termination in May for "insubordination."
Each of the seven opposed assignments they claimed endanger critically ill patients.
Castillo said he didn't want to choose between patients.
"It's about standing up for your patient," he explained. "We got into this profession to advocate for our patients... Patients who can't speak up for themselves... And that's what we're trying to do here."
A VRMC spokesperson, Robin Brechot, provided Action 4 News a statement via email that read:
"We have not received any notification of a scheduled demonstration or an impending lawsuit. We are not going to comment on confidential employment-related matters other than to say that any actions taken by VRMC are carefully considered in advance of any such action. Our community can rest assured that VRMC will never allow anything to come between us and the delivery of safe, quality care and services."
The nurses are fighting for their jobs back and monetary damages, according to the lawsuit.
They are holding a press conference to formally announce their lawsuit outside the hospital on Friday, July 15, 2011 at 11 in the morning.
Leaders of the Brownsville community are also organizing a BBQ chicken/sausage plate fundraiser Saturday to assist the nurses financially.
The fundraiser will be held Saturday, July 16, 2011 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the VFW Hall, behind Hygeia on Price Rd., 1800 Veterans Drive in Brownsville.
A $6 donation is requested.
Tickets are available by calling 1-210-422-7968.
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