Archive for Wednesday, March 29, 2006

Archive for Wednesday, March 29, 2006

Crane asked to resign

Four physicians ask chief of staff for resignation

March 29, 2006

Dr. Michael Crane, chief of staff at The Memorial Hospital, lobbed pointed allegations at hospital administrators and members of the board of trustees at a board meeting Wednesday evening.

Crane, who's been at the center of a firestorm of controversy this month at the hospital, also said he was asked by fellow hospital physicians to resign during a medical staff meeting March 9.

Crane said he had no plans to resign. He also said he was not worried about being fired from the hospital.

Dr. Thomas Told, one of Crane's targets throughout Wednesday's meeting, confirmed that Crane had been asked to resign.

Crane said a TMH doctor assaulted him March 3. Crane later went on a 3 1/2-day hunger strike, which included a night spent on the hospital's lawn to prompt prosecutors to file charges.

Crane has accused the hospital of providing improper care, jeopardizing patients' well-being and violating hospital policies. When asked for proof of the alleged violations, Crane said he would reveal them at a later date.

Told said patients at the hospital are not at risk.

"We give good quality care ... and always have given good care," Told said. "My family is treated at this hospital."

At the meeting's outset, Crane requested the board of trustees move into executive session to discuss matters he described as "concerns to the public and public safety." He said he planned to present the materials to members of the media if the board did not move into private session.

"They're sensitive enough. I'd recommend it," Crane said.

After discussing the legalities of going into executive session without 24 hours of public notice, the board agreed to meet with Crane behind closed doors.

Crane left the executive session a half-hour before the board. He said he would not answer questions until today.

The board made no decisions after the executive session.

Hospital administrator George Rohrich issued a brief state----ment after the meeting.

"We've received information from Dr. Crane," he said. "The board is taking this information under advisement. They will be seeking legal counsel on how to proceed and respond to Dr. Crane."

Staff reporter Brandon Johansson contributed to this story.

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