Ohio Supreme Court Declines To Hear Lakewood Hospital Lawsuit

LAKEWOOD, OH — The Ohio Supreme Court declined Tuesday to hear an appeal on the case of Skindell vs Madigan. The lawsuit alleged misconduct by Lakewood City Council and sought to block the destruction of Lakewood Hospital.

In the lawsuit, State Senator Mike Skindell alleges there were closed-door meetings that paved the way for the shutting down of Lakewood Hospital. Skindell had hoped to block the destruction of the hospital with the lawsuit.

However, Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge Stuart A. Friedman found that a public vote was taken on the issue, and several public discussions were held. He noted that negotiations are allowed to be conducted in private and denied Skindell an injunction.

Skindell told cleveland.com at that time that he would appeal the 8th District Court of Appeals' decision to the Ohio Supreme Court. With that court declining to hear the case, it is unclear what courses of action are left for Skindell.

Two members of the Ohio Supreme Court dissented with the opinion and wanted to accept the case. Those members were Justice Terrence O'Donnell and Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor.

Skindell did not immediately return Patch's request for comment.

After residents voted to affirm Lakewood City Council's vote to close the hospital last November, construction started at the site shortly thereafter.

Photo from Rick Uldricks, Patch