Othello hospital settles lawsuit

Sue Hobler-Inks awarded $80,000

OTHELLO - A wrongful termination lawsuit, against Othello Community Hospital and its administrator Harry Geller, was settled Monday for $80,000.

Following an executive session, Public Hospital District No. 3 commissioners voted unanimously to enter into the settlement.

Former employee Sue Hobler-Inks sued the hospital and Geller for wrongful termination. Hobler-Inks claimed she was fired in retaliation for her audits of hospital administration and participation in hospital district commissioner Bob Carlson's election campaign, according to the lawsuit.

A copy of the lawsuit written by attorney Steven C. Lacy of Lacy & Kane in East Wenatchee states Hobler-Inks performed auditing activities as part of her job. The audits made Geller look bad, and Hobler-Inks communicated with the Washington State Auditor's Office regarding the information she found, her lawyer claimed.

The lawsuit noted Hobler-Inks was an active participant in a campaign to elect Carlson to the Board of Commissioners. Carlson is a current member of the commission.

Geller said three settlement checks would be paid out to Lacy & Kane.

The Columbia Basin Herald was unable to reach Lacy or Hobler-Inks.

"It's just nice to settle the agreement and move on with the hospital business," Geller said.

Commissioners determined entering into an agreement to resolve the case is in the hospital district's best interest, according to the resolution they signed.

An agreement was reached Nov. 13 pending commissioner approval, according to the resolution.

"I want to emphasize the district is responsible for zero dollars, and our insurance, St. Paul Travelers, is responsible for $80,000 of the full and final settlement," board President Larry McCourtie said at the meeting.