Ruth
Madison County Circuit Judge Dennis Ruth is set to hear a series of moves filed by Saint Anthony's Hospital in Alton and its staff members seeking to throw out a defamation of character suit brought by a former nurse.
Plaintiff John Doe is suing the hospital and several staff members including Kathryn Hartmann, a fellow nurse, for damages in excess of $50,000 and other relief.
The motion will be heard at 9 a.m. on Nov. 19.
John Doe claims that Hartmann started rumors about him that ultimately led the hospital to fire him.
Doe claims the rumors included charges that he touched an unconscious male patient inappropriately and that the hospital fired him in part because of his sexuality.
The defendants deny the charges.
The defendants argue in their dismissal moves that Doe's claims don't hold up to the legal standard need to go forward.
The defendants also claim that the claims can't be sustained.
Bob Perica and others represent Doe.
Jill Luft and others represent the defendants.
The case is Madison case number 10-L-370.