Ruth
Madison County Circuit Judge Dennis Ruth will hear arguments on moves to dismiss a former nurse's defamation of character suit against his former co-workers and St. Anthony's Hospital.
Ruth had been set to hear the dismissal moves in July but continued the hearing at the request of the parties.
Plaintiff John Doe is suing Kathryn Hartmann, Saint Anthony's, E.O. Kiepher and Cindy Drainer for damages in excess of $50,000, costs, lost wages and other damages.
Doe claims that rumors spread by Hartmann led to his firing from the hospital in 2009.
The hearing is set for 9 a.m. today.
It is a combined case management conference and hearing on all pending motions according to the case's docket sheet.
Doe claims that Hartmann spread rumors that he touched an unconscious male patient inappropriately.
The hospital, the plaintiff claims, fired him based on those allegations.
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, which governs nurses' conduct, exonerated Doe.
Doe also claims the Alton hospital discriminated against him due to his sexual orientation.
The defendants claim Doe's claims don't meet the legal standard needed to contine.
Doe is represented by Jacqueline Brandenburg-Rees and Bob Perica.
The defendants are represented by Jill Luft, Edward Bott and Melanie Renken.
The case is Madison case number 10-L-370.