Eau Claire, Wis.-based HSHS Scared Heart Hospital filed a civil lawsuit against Marshfield (Wis.) Clinic and its affiliates requesting a temporary injunction to halt construction on a hospital and clinic near Sacred Heart, according to the Leader-Telegram.
Here are six things to know about the lawsuit.
1. In a complaint filed in Eau Claire County Court, Sacred Heart alleged Marshfield Clinic violated two land purchase agreements and a land use restriction by beginning construction on a hospital and cancer clinic near Sacred Heart.
2. The health organizations signed agreements in 1997 and 2006 under which Marshfield Clinic officials reportedly agreed to not build a hospital in the vicinity of Sacred Heart. The agreements also specify Sacred Heart maintains the right of first refusal on the land it sold to the clinic for $700,000, according to the report.
3. Marshfield Clinic officials declared their intent to build a hospital and cancer clinic a short distance from Sacred Heart in June 2016. The Eau Claire Plan Commission approved the clinic's plans for the cancer center in October 2016 and for the hospital in December. Construction on the two sites began in January. The cancer center is scheduled to open later this year, while officials expect to open the hospital in 2018, according to the report.
4. According to the lawsuit, Sacred Heart seeks a temporary injunction "to preserve the status quo" and prevent construction on the facilities "until a full hearing can be held on the merits of Scared Heart's claims." The hospital said it would suffer "irreparable harm" if the project proceeds.
5. The lawsuit also alleged Marshfield "submitted vague and incomplete plans to the commission," and said the clinic "acted in bad faith," according to the report. Sacred Heart did not request specific compensatory damages in the lawsuit.
6. Scott Polenz, CAO for Marshfield Clinic, told the Leader-Telegram Tuesday the clinic is "disappointed in HSHS' claims and remain[s] focused on moving our projects forward focusing on doing what's right for patients and the community. It's clear our efforts are already having a positive impact on the community and with each passing day we take one step closer to bringing more accessible and affordable healthcare to the region."