Sky Lakes: Claims against ER nurse unfounded
/Sky Lakes corrects the record, stands by staff
File photo
Claims made in a civil suit accusing an Emergency Department nurse of mistreating a patient are completely unfounded and totally without merit, Sky Lakes Medical Center officials said in a rare statement regarding a lawsuit.
The lawsuit, filed by local attorney Noel Kersey, on behalf of Danielle Lemma, 37, whom Mr. Kersey originally represented on criminal charges stemming from the incident in question, states that Stacy Mathis, a long-time and award-winning emergency nurse, and two other unnamed employees, improperly restrained and manhandled Ms. Lemma during a January 2018 visit to the Sky Lakes Emergency Department. The suit seeks $950,000 in damages.
“Stacy is a veteran Certified Emergency Nurse who has dedicated her life to healing and helping people during their most vulnerable times,” said Paul Stewart, Sky Lakes President and CEO. “She is being attacked purely for financial gain, and that is simply not something our community should tolerate.”
“To make accusations against Sky Lakes is one thing, but to malign the character and conduct of an exceptional nurse with an immaculate record is over the line,” he said, adding the medical center chose to make a rare statement on the suit to correct the public record on Ms. Mathis’ behalf.
According to police reports, officers from the Klamath Falls Police Department (“KFPD”) brought an intoxicated and combative Ms. Lemma to the Emergency Department on the date in question. For their safety and that of staff and others, patients in these circumstances are required to change out of their street clothes.
“Ms. Lemma was given multiple opportunities to change into a standard gown on her own, and she refused to cooperate,” Mr. Stewart said. “Ultimately, law enforcement officers were required to help restrain her during the episode in order for medical staff to assess her for a diagnosis and then treatment.”
“Restraining Ms. Lemma was necessary for her safety and was absolutely appropriate,” Mr. Stewart said. “To suggest otherwise has no basis in fact.”
In a very uncommon move, Sky Lakes’ officials are considering filing a counter claim against Ms. Lemma. “Given the despicable tactics being applied against a truly first-class nurse, and the utterly frivolous nature of the allegations in question, Sky Lakes is reviewing its options and will take whatever steps are necessary to protect its staff,” said Mr. Stewart.
“We are blessed with having many fine professionals, like Stacy, that serve the medical needs of our community with distinction, and we will not stand by and let them be targeted unfairly.”
Press release provided from Sky Lakes Medical Center.