Whistleblower Lawsuit Highlights Alleged Safety Violations at Illinois Hospital

Three former leaders in surgical services at an Illinois hospital have filed a whistleblower lawsuit. They allege safety violations and retaliation at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford. The complaint, filed in Winnebago County Circuit Court, details claims of unaddressed patient-safety concerns and punitive measures against staff who reported these issues.

Allegations of Safety Violations

According to the lawsuit, Sofia Gudino, Tina Peppers, and Cindamon Proffitt, who were in charge of operating-room safety, became aware of serious safety breaches starting in late 2023. The complaint includes a claim that on February 3, 2025, two neurosurgeons left a patient under anesthesia for about an hour without attending to them.

Further allegations describe an incident on April 17, 2025, where a neurosurgeon left a patient under anesthesia for 37 minutes to attend a meeting, during which no surgeon was present.

Concerns Over Anesthesia and Billing Practices

The plaintiffs argue that these actions led to prolonged anesthesia exposure and unethical billing practices. The lawsuit claims that patients were overcharged based on the duration of their procedures, incurring extra costs due to unnecessary time in the operating room.

Instances of Surgeon Fatigue

An additional incident reported on October 12, 2023, involves a neurosurgeon allegedly falling asleep during a procedure. Despite warnings from staff, the surgery proceeded with no corrective actions taken to address the surgeon’s fatigue.

Other Alleged Unsafe Practices

The complaint lists other safety concerns, including uncompleted surgical counts, breaches of sterile technique, and improper conduct by neurosurgeons. It alleges the use of unauthorized equipment and intimidating behavior toward questioning staff.

Retaliation Against Staff

Gudino, Peppers, and Proffitt claim they officially reported these issues multiple times through various channels. However, they allege that instead of action, they faced warnings, exclusion from meetings, and additional duties. They also claim they were targets of verbal hostility and threats.

Constructive Discharge

The lawsuit states that, due to an increasingly hostile work environment, all three resigned in 2025, describing their departures as constructive discharge. The case focuses on violations of the Illinois Whistleblower Act, seeking damages for retaliatory actions against those reporting safety risks.

OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center has not commented on the lawsuit as the claims await a court decision.