Following a legal skirmish over payroll disputes, Broward Health hospitals are set to resume elective procedures after anesthesiologist walkouts caused delays in operations. The anesthesiologists, part of Anesco North Broward, which had an exclusive contract with Broward Health hospitals, had not been paid in weeks leading to the walkouts. This setback in operations impacted surgeries at several locations including Broward Health Medical Center, and Broward Health North, among others.
According to a report obtained by WSVN, attorney Bob Stock, representing a former Anesco doctor claiming wrongful termination, expressed distrust in Anesco's financial dealings. "We are very suspicious of this enterprise," said Stock. The issue reached such a magnitude that Broward Health sought an emergency court hearing for resolution.
During the court hearing, Broward Circuit Judge Michele Towbin Singer expressed her paramount concern for patient care amidst the two entities' dispute. "Whatever squabble or disagreement is going on between the two of you, both entities have the obligation to get anesthesiologists so that patients can be seen," Towbin Singer stated to WSVN. She further emphasized the need for sufficient anesthesiologists to ensure patient operations could proceed.
Following reports from the SunSentinel, Judge Towbin Singer ultimately waived Anesco's non-compete clauses, granting freedom for anesthesiologists to be employed directly by Broward Health. This decision is a crucial pivot, allowing the hospitals to avoid additional surgery delays that could have further affected patient health outcomes.
"At the end of the day, I want these patients to have anesthesiologist. I want there to be enough anesthesiologists; that’s my primary goal," she determined in her ruling, according to WSVN.
With this legal intervention, Broward Health facilities are now expected to proceed as normal with their scheduled surgeries. Anesthesiologists are slated to return to work over the weekend, much to the relief of patients awaiting elective procedures.
