RCRH pleased with finding in surgery scar case - KOTA Territory News

RCRH pleased with finding in surgery scar case

Officials at a Rapid City hospital say they are pleased but not surprised that state officials have found no evidence that the hospital mistreated a man who claims the letters ``KKK'' were carved into his chest during heart surgery.

"We are gratified but not surprised by the findings of the South Dakota Attorney General's Office and the South Dakota Department of Health regarding alleged mistreatment of Vernon Traversie at Rapid City Regional Hospital. The Attorney General's findings, as well as those by other agencies, have found the allegations of mistreatment were not supported by the evidence. We will continue to defend the civil suit filed by Mr. Traversie and believe the outcome will also be in our favor. Rapid City Regional Hospital is an organization of people who have dedicated their lives to healing others. We are deeply committed to providing excellent care to everyone, regardless of race, religion, color, age, sex, disability, national origin, or any other classification." said Tim Sughrue, CEO Rapid City Regional Hospital, CEO Regional Health Network, COO Regional Health.

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley said Monday that neither his office nor the state Health Department could substantiate Traversie's claim.

Traversie's spokesman said other investigations are pending.