A Connecticut jury has ordered Yale University to pay $5.5 million to three radiologists who claimed they were punished after they complained about changes in the university's radiology department, according to the Hartford Courant.
The radiologists had charged that cost-cutting measures implemented at Yale's radiology department in the 1990s had had a negative effect on patient care. They alleged that non-specialists were conducting final interpretations of diagnostic studies, and that teaching physicians were not adequately reviewing the interpretations given by residents, according to the Courant.
According to the lawsuit, the hospital administration reduced the salaries of the accusers, and took other punitive measures as well rather than addressing their concerns. The suit claimed that the administration had infringed on the radiologists' rights of free speech and of academic freedom.
The plaintiffs are also eligible for punitive damages to cover trial costs, to be determined by the judge in the case, the Courant said.
By AuntMinnie.com staff writersJuly 27, 2004
Copyright © 2004 AuntMinnie.com
