About the Foundation
The CHRISTUS Spohn Health System Foundation was founded in 1977 to generate philanthropic support to help the CHRISTUS Spohn Health System fulfill its mission to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ so that all may experience God's healing presence and love.
The hospitals consist of CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi with 3 hospitals - Memorial, Shoreline and South; CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Alice; CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Beeville and CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Kleberg (Kingsville). Among our programs are a network of family health centers, a mobile van to deliver pre-natal care to women in outlying areas, a Diabetes program, and a Cancer Center. A highlight of the Cancer Center is the CHRISTUS Spohn Stem Cell Program, which is affiliated with M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Outreach.
The Tomorrow's Promise Capital and Endowment Campaign has a $25,000,000 goal. The dollars contributed will be used in each of the communities where we provide services to enhance the quality of healthcare for the future. Please stay tuned for more information about Tomorrow's Promise Capital and Endowment Campaign!
We have the privilege of having community leaders serve on our Board of Directors who contribute their time, talents, and treasures.
News
Local
Spohn appealing ruling in Slough case
By Israel Saenz (Contact)
Friday, August 10, 2007
CORPUS CHRISTI — Christus Spohn Hospital System attorneys have appealed a court's ruling that the hospital is not entitled to limited liability in the 2005 kidnapping and murder of a nurse.
Attorneys filed an appeal Wednesday stating that a system agreement with Nueces County to provide indigent care qualifies the system's hospitals for limited liability protection under the Texas Tort Claims Act.
The law limits damages government entities would have to pay to $100,000.
"Government entities are subject to sovereign immunity, unless plaintiffs have plead properly to waive that immunity," system attorney Warren S. Huang said Thursday. "They have not."
The plaintiffs in a 2005 civil lawsuit -- the family of slain nurse Deborah Slough -- are asking for unspecified damages, alleging Christus Spohn Hospital Shoreline was negligent in providing security. The suit was filed with Nueces County Court-at-Law No. 4. The trial is set to begin Monday.
Slough was abducted from the hospital's parking lot on Sept. 11, 2005; her body was discovered the next day in rural Bee County. Jesus Alvarez pleaded guilty to Slough's murder and is serving a life-without-parole sentence.
On Aug. 3 the Texas Supreme Court denied an emergency motion filed by the system to stop the trial.
"(The system) is trying to extend a statute to apply to them, because they believe themselves to be a government entity," Slough attorney Robert C. Hilliard said Thursday. "They waited a year and a half to raise this issue." Hilliard said no date has been set for the court's decision on the appeal.
Contact Israel Saenz at 886-3767 or saenzi@caller.com
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Post Your Comments
Posted by bluegalcc on August 10, 2007 at 6:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Why on earth should Spohn have to deal with this issue. They did nothing wrong. The family is grieving of course and we empathize with them, but that is no excuse for unmitigated greed. Adults are responsible for their own safety and a nurse surely has the common sense to look for possible attackers in a large parking lot. Parking lots are notorious as places where women are attacked.
Posted by marlana2002 on August 10, 2007 at 7 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with most of what you say bluegalcc, except the part where it appears you blame Ms. Slough for not checking out her surroundings. The blame is on the killer--period. We are taking the focus of him by putting the focus on Spohn and Ms. Slough which is totally wrong in my book. He should have gotten the death penalty in my opinion and that should have closed the books on this case.
Posted by magnumto on August 10, 2007 at 7:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree that this was a random murder and am surprised that Spohn would be held accountable, since the scumbag murderer wasn't a Spohn employee and they had no reason to expect a murderer to be present, even with the surveillance tape. If there had been a series of violent attacks in that parking lot or even in that neighborhood, then perhaps Spohn would be liable. This is about greed and, to me, is a clear case of lawsuit abuse.
Is there ALWAYS someone to sue? How about the man who was murdered in front of the dry cleaner a while back, with his wife and child present - sue the dry cleaner? How about the murder at the movie theater a while back, shot by gang bangers - sue the movie theater? Bad stuff happens, and hindsight is perfect, but lawsuits are just a get-rich-quick ploy.
Posted by g1r8c7c6 on August 10, 2007 at 8:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Have a cup of coffee and wake up people. The Employer has a DUTY to make sure the work place is safe. In that "parking lots are notorious places where women are attacked" see first comment. The Bizness or Employer has a DUTY to try and make it safe. Thanks to COURTS,LAWYERS and JURIES we are all made SAFER because bizness and Employers SHOULD take reasonable steps to make parking lots safer. This is why they hire SECURITY like off-duty cops to escort employees or patients to their cars. This is why they have SECURITY patrol parking lots. This case is about whether the bizness acted reasonably.
Posted by rhdj on August 10, 2007 at 8:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Looks like Spohn has more than enough defense lawyers behind them. Doctors get a private lot card access only next to the hospital, the rest get nothing. Spohn installs cameras all over and hire guards , but are not expected to do their job. Why have all equipment and manpower then. Look, the fact is if the guard had done his job, this murderer would have been caught or a least run off before this tradegy occured. No Spohn is did not pull the trigger, but it allowed it to happen. It is the same as going to the mall, see somebody breaking in a car, and you say "not my problem". A decent human do not tell the guard about that guy. You defend Spohn all you want, but if it were my mother or sister I would sue, not for the money but to show wrong doing. You expect the family to say "oh well" Spohn could have stopped this but those cameras and security guard were not there for her. Not all lawsuits are about Money, You do not know the family and neither do I , But I have sat in as Juror on a couple a civil trails, neither was about money, both were about pointing out a wrong. They are working with in the justice system. Why is it so hard to believe Spohn made a mistake that cost somebody their lives. Why does every lawsuit have to be abuse. If Spohn did nothing wrong then let the trail go forward. The more they stall, the more they appear guilty. I know alot of posters will attack me , but I just feel the family is not wrong in this case. There is abuse out there, no question, but not this time. Attack my points , just do not get personal. Here goes nothing...click
Posted by lhall on August 10, 2007 at 8:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks to courts, lawyers and juries............................we have a lot of rich lawyers...............period.
Posted by claudedunger on August 10, 2007 at 8:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
All of the above has merit; however, because of all the numerous charges and countercharges, this matter is probably best suited for a jury. While interesting, the media is not the place to make the arguments. Time to seat a jury.
Posted by narc on August 10, 2007 at 9:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I guess it is Spohn's fault this happend, not the criminal.
Posted by arodriguez on August 10, 2007 at 9:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It was not Spohns fault that someone else that was not even an employee decided to murder someone. It is very unfortunate that this happened but they did provide cameras and security. Just because the security was not in that vicinity at that given point does not mean they were not doing their job. Spohns parking lot is big. Yes he was walking around for about 4 hours if not more, but I have driven by there plenty of times and there are people coming in and out all the time. Yes they withheld the tape and should pay for that and I think I read they did about 30,000 already. So again the only person to blame is the murderer who is now serving jail time which is not even right neither he took a life and he still has his life so unfair.
Posted by flower25 on August 10, 2007 at 9:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
How many times are women abducted from shopping center parking lots with security and video cameras? Like the young 18 year old in Target not so long ago when the criminal follow her in the store then outside to the parking lot. Is the store responsible? This is almost the same situation the persons here responsible are the criminals. We must get these monsters off our streets to keep everyone safe mother, sisters, daughters, sons, brothers, and fathers. Our society cares gives more rights to the criminal then the victim. The criminal is responsible not the victim or the company bottom line!
Posted by greenpeachez5 on August 10, 2007 at 9:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
As said above, the employer has a duty to provide a safe environment for their employees. When I worked in a downtown hotel, we were offered to have security walk with us to our car. Sometimes there would be security waiting to walk out with guests and or employees - especially at night. And after talking to several hospital employees saying how they had made complaints, they definitely should have done something.
So Spohn, get off your lawyer's apron strings and face this like you're supposed to. And this latest saying you're a "Government Entity" becuz you "take care" of indigent patients? HOGWASH! That is really thin. To the point of being anorexic! Pulleaze!
Posted by kspcm01 on August 10, 2007 at 9:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Does anyone else smell raunchy lawsuit abuse? The attorney responsible for this case should be disbarred and forced to pay all court costs!
Could you imagine the precedent that this case would set? Every time an off-the-clock employee is injured by a non-employee on the premises, a lawsuit would be filed! How much "security" would be "enough" security? I have a strong feeling that this tragedy would have occurred regardless of the time or location. While a visible security guard might have prevented the abduction -- it might NOT have. The guilty party was obviously in a deviant mental state and might have attempted his crime regardless of the presence of a $5.15 an hour security guard.
Spohn Shoreline fulfilled all of the state requirements about security for a hospital. Why should they be held liable for the crimes of an evil non-employee? Should they have planned for an unthinkable crime such as this?
Or is the distraught family simply attempting to find proper compensatation because the evil convict and his family cannot pay?
*sigh
Posted by ramrie4 on August 10, 2007 at 9:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It unfortunately takes an outrages act like this to open eyes for all types of businesses and personal property to take some kind of extra precautions, and even a lawsuit may help. But, how many security guards were actually working that evening and how many people are leavng the hospital, they is only so much area a person can cover. The family is very strong to have to relive this accident, but if that what it takes to help another family from such an act, then Bless them for this. It not the monies they might want but iif that what it takes to open eyes then so be it.
Posted by marlana2002 on August 10, 2007 at 9:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It's spelled b-u-s-i-n-e-s-s not bizness.
Posted by cigarnut on August 10, 2007 at 9:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It's tempting to predict what did and did not happen. Of all the comments over the many months of endless stories, this "train" of discussion has been generally the healthiest. Escorts from security have been available for years at Spohn, and yet the overwhelming majority of folks choose not to use them...suggesting most folks feel safe. Its terrible what happened, but sometimes bad things happen no matter what the precautions. To all above though, thanks for a relatively effective discussion...much better than usual!
Posted by guest on August 10, 2007 at 10:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree that the work place has to provide a safe work environment. Give me proper equipment to do my job. But it does not include walking every single employee from the parking lot to there destination. I have worked many jobs, and never had security walk me in. When was the last time you went to Wal mart, Home Depot, Lowes, McDonalds, Pizza Hutt, Best Buy, ect.. you see a security guard come out and walk each employee into work? Probably "NEVER" Why don't they? They should provide a safe work environment right? Maybe it's cuz it's not required.......I would think it would be unfair to my employer if they had to do so. Sad to see that in times of mourning, all they want is "MONEY"... Sad, Sad, Sad...........I should start a lawsuit against these lawyers for putting fear in me in parking at the Hospital.....What that be considered mental anquish?
Posted by josegutz on August 10, 2007 at 10:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The purpose of the lawsuit should be for justice. So if the plaintiff wins, instead of monetary gain they should make Spohn install more cameras and hire more guards. That's justice... But the lawyers will get their piece of the pie as always.
Posted by rhdj on August 10, 2007 at 11:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well, lawyer do need to make a living. I am sure the spohn lawyers are getting a good chunk for their services. Does anyone know if they are asking for punitive and actual damages or just actual. One of the trials I was part of asked the us to award only actual damages after we found the company on trial guilty. We also had to decide what % the company was at fault (multi defendants). We could not punish the company for their actions, just award actual damages. This included future earnings as well as medical bills and such. None of you think Spohn is just a little at fault for what happened? I know nobody can be safe 100% of the time, but seems Spohn is going out of their way to stop this for some reason. I am willing to bet if this goes to trial , a part of the story we do not know will be exposed. Most lawsuit abuse cases get settled out of court, to save money for the crooked lawyer, they bet on no trial. This is not the case here, the seem to want their day in court, as we all deserve. Like it or not it is our right, and it is abused sometimes, just like alot of other things. Why not let the family have their day in court, if it is a money thing it will become apparent. Please forgive my untrusting nature of Big business, but I have seen it in action. Emotion is not part of their thought process. Just how much money can we make, and how many corners can we cut without getting caught.
Posted by josegutz on August 10, 2007 at 11:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
True!
As I said...let the justice be served and Spohn get penalized to make the area safer for people.
Posted by marcus064r on August 10, 2007 at 11:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If spohn would have released the survellance tapes at the beginning, maybe the nurse would have never been murdered. Robert Hillard is doing the right thing. Spohn needs to be sanctioned.
Posted by kingalonzoalvarezdepineda13 on August 10, 2007 at 11:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
KFATSO Writ of Mandamus Legal Team.
And then appeal and finangle and finangle and appeal and if that dont work file some kind of other emergency relief delay and stall type of elite squeeze out the little guy litigation.
And these are the same cheaters who represent the Church Universal right here in the Richest Diocese in the World.
Posted by kingalonzoalvarezdepineda13 on August 10, 2007 at 11:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Spohn withheld the video from the investigators and they were negligent.
IMO this was not a random murder.
Posted by visuallink on August 10, 2007 at 11:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It is the company's fault, partly. The best way to deal with a criminal is prison time and the best way to deal with a corporation is money. Face it, facts are facts. It's how things work. They had poor security, no one to watch the cameras, and a film to prove that the man was on the property. Do you not know how long he was on Spohn before he made a move? Maybe you need to do some more studying.
The point is that in a building like this, someone should at least be watching the camera room, and security should always be circling the building. What everyone fails to realize is how long Alvarez was actually on the property before he abducted Debbie. It was 4 or more hours.
Target - Girl gets abducted. Man runs up, grabs her, and leaves. The man was only on the premises for about 5 to 10 mins, which really isn't a reasonably amount of time for security to classify someone as suspicious.
Spohn - Alvarez walks around in and out of the building, numerously passing security guards, parking lots, and spends about 4 hours looking for a victim OUT IN THE OPEN where he could be seen at 3pm, and is even caught on tape. 4 hours? Don't you think a man who is constantly moving around this place is suspicious after 4 hours? Or was there not enough security to notice this guy? He was even peaking into car windows...something the patient noticed and the guards didn't notice. The guards just walked around because they had to...It's the hire officials who are responsible for training the guards properly even if they pay them minimum wage.
Alvarez was walking around, looking suspicious, trying to find the perfect opportunity to take someone. I mean, if there was enough security like there should be, then one of the guards should have said himself, "hey...I've seen this guy at least 6 or 7 times pass by me going in different directions, and I've even seen him in the building walking the halls, I wonder what he's doing here?" Alvarez was on the property for a long time. Security should always be alert of their surroundings, and if 2 or 3 guards isn't enough, then there should be more. If security was adequate then most likely one of them would have stopped him and escorted him off the building.
Posted by guest on August 10, 2007 at 11:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Seems that Spohn would have been better off without installing video cameras. If the tape is the main issue, Why would spohn add more cameras? I personally would take them down, that way if it happens again, Spohn will not be at fault. So the whole "TAPE" issue would not happen again.. I quess if that happened they would get sued for not having any cameras. This whole lawsuit is a joke.........
Posted by guest on August 10, 2007 at 11:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It's a "HOSPITAL", seeing someone walk around the parking area is not unusal. When my dad was in IR we could only see him for 15 mins every 4 hours. To pass the Time I walked around the Hospital day and night.. I passed many security people, nurses and doctors. People in this world need to grow up and make their own protection a personal issue, and not rely on others to protect you...
Posted by j_sand78413 on August 10, 2007 at 12:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hope I don't end up on this jury, given the variety of opinions without knowing all the facts, I hate to imagine the arguments in the jury room once they hear both sides of this issue!
Posted by gbird on August 10, 2007 at 12:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It is quite unfortunate that we as a society feel someone must pay for every wrong doing. Corporations, public or private have an obligation to protect the general public as well as thier employees on owned or leased property. The issue comes to what represents criminal neglect? That truly is up to a jury of US the people who get the nice little summons to appear, to make that decision. Having said that it is US that have given verdicts of millions of dollars for burn caused by HOT COFFEE, and other things that boggle the mind. When some one commits a crime, as is the case of murder, the liability of anyone other then the person that commits the crime, should be limited to how did anyone else facilitate or create neglegence. I dont know the whole story, obviously a trained legal professional has determined that he or she can show SPOHN negligent, and SPOHN has trained legal folks saying no, so now we let our system of justice take over and remember it is US that will have the final say in the matter based on evidence presented. But back to my original statement, it truly is unfortunate we can not let a horrendous act just go, and that we continue to want to find someone to blame.
Posted by guest on August 10, 2007 at 12:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Something is really wrong with our Country. It's never "OUR" fault when something goes bad. I am glad spohn is fighting this. Because if they don't, it will only happen again. I think if you are against spohn, next time you are sick or needing surgery, go and see your lawyer, ask him for medical help.. I sure hope they provide adiquate security for you.........
Posted by marlana2002 on August 10, 2007 at 1:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This was a murder. The focus should be on the murderer, plain and simple. No amount of money paid to the family of Ms. Slough will bring her back or cause this not to happen to some other family's loved one. Quit slapping these criminals on the wrist--that's where we need to start.
Posted by donnamcclure on August 10, 2007 at 1:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What happened to Debbie Slough was a hideous crime perpetrated by an evil man. Could Spohn hire more security people? Sure, but it probably wouldn't have helped Debbie. This evil man cruised around until the right opportunity arose to commit this unspeakable act. At Spohn our code of ethics requires us to treat all individuals with respect. This guy probably didn't look much different than the scores of family members wandering through the facilities and grounds waiting to (or taking a break from) spending time with loved ones in the hospital. No one would hassle him for "hanging around". Spohn could hire more security officers, but they wouldn't have as many nurses, therapists or surgical techs. Which would you want around if you were sick in the hospital? For myself, I want a nurse at my bedside, not a guard in the parking lot to prevent a POSSIBLE crime. Spohn provides escorts to the parking lot for employees or visitors just for the asking. I never ask, but that is my responsibility. If something happens to me, I won't blame my employer if I didn't ask for the service they readily provide. SO, if the courts award the plaintiffs big bucks to "punish" Spohn for this not being a safe world, who wins? The family might get some, but it won't bring our friend Debbie back. Mostly the rich lawyers get richer. The downside is that that money could have been put to much better use at Spohn.
Posted by donnamcclure on August 10, 2007 at 1:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
FACT: In FY 2006, CHRISTUS Spohn Health System provided $55 million in charity care services and $10 million in unbilled community services and grants to the communities we serve.
FACT: On average, CHRISTUS Spohn Health System provides an average of $150,685 of charity care each day, which is $6,278 of charity care every hour.
FACT: In FY 2006, the CHRISTUS Spohn Mobile Clinic conducted 1199 patient visits. The mobile clinic travels to Mathis, Taft/Sinton, Robstown and Aransas Pass to educate and provide free medical services to the underserved areas.
FACT: In FY 2006, more than 700 guests stayed at the Kieschnick Guest House. The CHRISTUS Spohn Kieschnick Guest House provides spiritual support to patients, while offering low-cost accommodations for family members.
FACT: The CHRISTUS Spohn Community Health Worker Program is designed to connect patients and families with the health care resources they need. Community health workers see approximately 2,200 patients a month.
FACT: Throughout the year, CHRISTUS Spohn Health System provides thousands of free health screenings for diabetes, cholesterol, melanoma, prostate, mammography and more.
FACT: The CHRISTUS Fund granted $533,700 in grants to community based organizations such as the Good Samaritan Mission, Charlie’s Place, and Corpus Christi Hope House.
The for-profit hospitals in town may have more security guards, but just try getting help with your diabetes there if you have no insurance. Spohn may not be perfect, they sure paid for the mistake with the tape. I am, however, proud to be a Spohn employee. We don't need any more rich lawyers.
Posted by bill_sebring on August 10, 2007 at 1:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
guest, the guy who murdered this nurse was casing around the parking garage area for 4 hours! previous related articles mention this, and visuallink brought this up as well. spohn, and in particular the shoddy security company that provided the clowns who wore security suits failed miserably. god people wake up and smell the salt water...
Posted by bill_sebring on August 10, 2007 at 1:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I certainly won't deny the good that Spohn has done, in light of what donnamcclure provided...In other reports on this incident, Spohn had the security tapes and chose not to release them at first. Yes, I"d rather have the hospital spend money to have nurses available at my bedside, but I don't think that precludes having a good security force available either. From comments made by other people who've worked on Spohn, and who've posted in response to other online articles about this case, the security force is pretty paltry...and that IS Spohns responsibility, as well as the company who hired the guards in the first place.
Posted by orangebend on August 10, 2007 at 2 p.m. (Suggest removal)
TO: BLUEGALCC ( the person that made the 1st comment).
If that was your loved one that was killed because of lack of security ANYWHERE, i bet you would feel differently about this. That family IS NOT . being greedy--NO AMOUNT of money will make up for that nurse's life. She has left behind a husband that has to take care of little children, hospital bills, mortgage payments, etc. Remember, she worked. So don't be hateful and say that her family is being greedy. What is sad is that the hospittal system with all of their millions choose to be stubborn and not admit to their mistakes. This could have been settled and everyone moved on. Now the hospital is embarassing their nurses by indicating that the nurse was not being careful enough--NONSENSE. Spohn needs to stop making themselves look likey don't care about their nurses. With all of this going on, how do you think their nurses are feeling right now?? EMBARRASSED that their employer will not take responsibility for a tragic event that happened because of their lack of security. What about 2 weeks ago when word was going around the hospital to be on the look-out for a angry visitor searching for a family member somewhere in the building. Do you think they put the place on some type of alert to protect those folks inside..NOOOOOOOOOOOO. I was visiting that day and happened to hear the housekeeping ladies talking about it in my mom's room, right in front of me. They had no idea i knew what they were talking about. Yes, you guessed it---THey were speaking spanish and thought i didn't----So don't tell me that that hospital is not responsible for things that happen there. I'm glad my mom was discharged that day so she could be safe at home with me. Spohn-----Do the right thing !!!!
Posted by rhdj on August 10, 2007 at 2:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
A jury may find Spohn had done all they could, an award nothing. But with all the time,effort and money spent, I believe the family Voice should be heard. The assumption that money is the root here could be right or wrong. A jury trial will clear up all this mess. My position is a jury trial is within our rights as American Citizens. If Spohn did nothing wrong let a jury hand down that judgement. I for one agree about lawsuit abuse, but I will not give up that right because of the abuse. Yes Spohn is overall a very good system, but that does not make them exempt from our justice system. Whether you agree with the family or not , you have to agree this is their right as American citizens, and Spohns right to fight it. Let the system work.
Posted by visuallink on August 10, 2007 at 2:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Spohn does make a profit. 1.6 Billion dollars was their profit in 2006, and I'm sure something similar this year. http://wherethemoneygoes.com ~ Look up Christus Health
There would have never been a lawsuit filed if Alvarez was only on premises for 10-15 mins before he actually took Debbie. But 4 or more hours is a joke. Klager heard both sides and ruled against the Liability of 100,000 dollars that Spohn said they were only entitled to. Both sides were heard that day, and the good judge, experienced, made his ruling. I hope this appeal fails.
Alvarez admitted how long he was on Spohn premises, and what he was doing, and how he did what he did to Debbie when he confronted her on Spohn, and then when he took her. Then Spohn denied his word and claimed he was never on the property. The tape proved that wrong, so everything Alvarez said was correct even if you believe he was lying. He was on the premises for 4 or more hours he said!
Like I said, there would have never been a lawsuit if he hadn't had been on the hospital for so long hunting and planning what to do. And if he was only on premises for 15 mins, or a short period of time, then I would consider it lawsuit abuse. But this isn't lawsuit abuse..
Posted by tktamez on August 10, 2007 at 2:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To the person that works at Spohn that gave all of those FACTS. What the heck are you paid to put all of that information on this MINIMAL WORD forum?? Thanks for telling us you are an employee, but i think we could have figured that out. To respond to you in ONE sentence. It doesn't matter what good deeds (FACTS) Christus Spohn has done for our citizens ( even though we are very thankful ), it still boils down to THERE ARE AT FAULT. That's like saying that the killer was in the business of saving lives, but wait....he only killed 1 person, so give him a break... We don't need to read all of your FACTS ---Those facts should not excuse Spohn for their lack of providing their employees safety.
And to the other person that said Spohn do not have adequate security because they need nurses more...COME ON NOW. Don't try to make it look like if they hire more security, then they won't have enough nurses---What a cop out--- Last i read, they were at least one nurse short BECAUSE of the security--not the other way around..Get my drift??? Leave the nurses alone
Posted by kingalonzoalvarezdepineda13 on August 10, 2007 at 2:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Spohn has for profits mixed in with the non profits. They should have been forthcoming.
This is a monster of many heads.
Their big mistake was when they made the nuns obsolete.
Posted by tktamez on August 10, 2007 at 2:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't think they are absolete, but rather, they just don't run the show anymore. If they did, the lawyer would not have talked them into hiding the tape.
Posted by lhall on August 10, 2007 at 3:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"That nurse" was named Debbie. She had a family and a slew of friends that loved her and wanted to spend more of their lives with her. I am one of those friends. Nothing really could have changed what happened. It was an evil man acting out an evil deed. All of the auguing and lawsuits in the world will never change that. There are still people who are having to relive this nightmare over and over because of the continuation of this suit. Should Spohn possibly provide more security? Yeah. Should every other place in this scary world? Yeah. If they are found at fault, I just hope that anything that comes out of this goes to secure her THREE daughters a safe future. Debbie supported her family and her daughters should get anything that comes out of this. I just think it's sad that in our society today there is always a way to point a finger at someone that has the money to go after. It was a senseless and random act of violence. Where should our focus really be?
Posted by marlana2002 on August 10, 2007 at 3:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
lhall, I believe our focus should be on changing laws and getting these criminals off the streets--but that's just my opinion.
by the way, I'm very sorry for the loss of your friend. She sounds like she was a wonderful, hardworking person whose life was cut short by a worthless piece of garbage.
Posted by magnumto on August 10, 2007 at 6:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Several people have mentioned that the scumbag murderer walked around the parking lot for 4 hours. In all that time, was Debbie Slough the only opportunity for him to adbuct? Think how many people come and go in that parking lot. Try to imagine what the security people were seeing on a day just like any other. And possibly, after keeping an eye on him, they may have decided he was harmless, after passing up numerous opportunities.
All of you people who think every business should provide personal security for you 24/7, go down tomorrow and see if you can spot someone in the Spohn parking lot - or Wal-Mart, or Padre-Staples Mall, or ... - who "obviously" doesn't belong there. It can't be done. And while you're there, looking for those "obvious" criminals, imagine how long it would take to question and verify the story of every possible suspect. It's not just loners, it's also groups of people.
I empathize with the Slough family since my wife and aunt are hospital employees (not Spohn), but all the money in the world wouldn't give me solace if I lost either of them.
Regarding Spohn's delaying tactics, in an area so well known for lawsuit abuse, they probably are terrified of a jury trial. Remember the Dow-Corning silicone breast implant trials? It is clear now that those had no more incidence of causing early death for any reason, but Dow-Corning is bankrupt and lawyers are rich, because they "created" the link in the minds of the jurors. Most of the cigarette lawsuits? You have to be a very special kind of stupid not to know that cigarettes cause cancer, but some have gotten rich because of lawyers.
This is another case of lawsuit abuse, and I am rooting for Spohn.
Posted by visuallink on August 10, 2007 at 9:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Too bad, this never happened to many of you. Then your mind set on all of this wouldn't be that its lawsuit abuse. It would be totally different.
Posted by lhall on August 10, 2007 at 10:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
visuallink...................this is happening to all of us. Not only did we lose Debbie, but during the same time, my cousin was brutally murdered. It's hard for your or anyone else to claim lawsuit abuse or not when you do not know the full story behind what is happening on either side. At this point it's all smoke and mirrors and what really needs to be dealt with in our society is getting lost behind money and finger pointing.
Posted by kspcm01 on August 10, 2007 at 10:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Although I am saddened by the loss of this young lady, Ihall, I still don't think that suing Christus Spohn is the "right" thing to do. Can anyone truly claim in all honesty that the hospital is partially to be blamed for this crime?
The criminal bears complete and total responsibility for his horrendous crime. We shouldn't force the hospital to "share" the blame.
I'm sorry for the loss of Debbie. But the only person who should be held liable for her abduction and brutal death is the man convicted. Sue HIM for all he is worth.
Posted by magnumto on August 10, 2007 at 11:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
visuallink, no doubt I would feel differently if something like this happened to me personally, but that would be an emotional reaction on my part. Do you suggest all of our judicial responses be the result of emotional reactions? Weren't vigilante groups in the early West caused by emotional reactions? I wonder how many innocent people were killed based on those earlier emotional reactions. Granted, there is a huge difference between death and a civil lawsuit involving mere money, but should a civil lawsuit involve less justice?
Regardless of the extreme amount of pain and suffering that is inherent in the case of Debbie Slough's murder, "justice" in this case means punishment of the guilty, and "the guilty" is the murderer, not Spohn. A kneejerk reaction to penalize Spohn would NOT be just.
Posted by vivian_r on August 10, 2007 at 11:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It is just business as usual with Spohn, trying to cover their behinds after they got caught. They withheld the tape, because it showed Alvarez hanging around for so many hours casing the garage then entering and leaving the hospital itself.
I have said it once and I will say it again, security at Spohn is lacking. They tell the employees and visitors to call if they wish an escort to the cars but you have to wait forever and a day to get them to come.
If you get off work at 11:00 pm or come on at 11:00 pm and you work at Shoreline or Memorial I would bet any one of you would want escort,
Time and time again cars have been broken into, employees mugged as well as visitors. Security should be out patroling at least every 15 minutes or at the very least make their presence felt during change of shift in all lots and garages.
I am sure if this case goes to a jury it would be very interesting to be a fly on the wall in the jury room,
You can be a proud employee all you want Donna the fact is all the good Spohn has done has been erased by the crime that has taken place and the subsquent cover up by your precious employer.
You can bet your bottom dollar Spohn is all about profit do not let all that so called charity fool you one bit. They have charitable funds set aside but they also expect to make a profit how else would they make payroll?
I know for a fact that at one time Spohn Physical Threapy and Rehab was on the profit side of the coprpration as well as hosptice and the Cancer Center. I do not know about now but once upon a time they all were as well as their home health agency they once had.
Posted by lovemygunny on August 10, 2007 at 11:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I feel really bad for the victim's family but I don't know that a lawsuit is the option. Hopefully I will never be in this boat, but to me no amount of money will ever fill the void. As far as being left behind to support their children and pays bills, wouldn't life insurance be for that??
The hospital parking lots are so big and with so many people going in and out and back and forth, how would they be responsible for picking out a 'murderer'? I don't care how long this guy was on the property, I am curious as to how we are supposed to pick out a murderer. I don't want to leave my four kids behind so please let me know.
I agree that putting the blame soley on Spohn for security is ridiclous. Does that mean every business is liable for what goes on in their parking lots?? The blame is with this guy and NOBODY else.
I don't think a $5/hr rent-a-cop could have done much. I think had he been around when this happened we would be dealing with two lawsuits instead of one.
Posted by visuallink on August 11, 2007 at 12:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I bet security at any other place (bestbuy, target, ect..) would ask me what I was doing walking around the parking lot for so long and continuously entering and leaving the building. There is one, perhaps two security guards per parking lot at Target, bestbuy, and Wal-mart, which would make it pretty easy to spot someone suspiciously entering and leaving the building and walking all over the parking lot since the parking lot isn't so big.. Besides, If Spohn felt that security was doing their job that day, then why did they get fired?
Now compare Target or Wal-mart to Christus Spohn. There should be a whole lot more security at Spohn than at Target or Wal-mart. Spohn is HUGE compared to these retail stores that everyone is mentioning.
There should have been more than just 2-3 guards for the whole building that day since its so huge. And for it to happen during the day at 3pm makes it even more ridiculous on the security side. How can you say that you can't spot someone to be suspicious after he had been on premises for so long?
Posted by john26 on August 11, 2007 at 12:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
In Texas even if you are licensed to carry a handgun you are prohibited from doing so in hospitals by law. IMO this is wrong because criminals know people coming from a hospital, unless they are carrying illegally themselves, are disarmed.
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Labels: Boston, Brother Leo, Cancer, East, Grace, Gracida, Krol, Poor of S. Tx, Sarita, Spohn, Vatican
