Media Statement: Hospital for Special Care Responds to Inaccuracies

Friday, Feb. 24, 2012 - “As more details emerge from police and media reports regarding the recent shootings at our hospital, I would like to correct several inaccuracies and false statements by stating the following:

1. At the time of the shooting, Victor Valcarcel was not terminated. He currently remains an employee on administrative leave. However, Hospital for Special Care (HSC) has zero-tolerance for workplace violence, and we will make no exceptions.
2. Hospital for Special Care adheres to the highest human resource standards and follows a formal, multi-step process regarding employee counseling and disciplinary actions. Supervisors are not the decision makers regarding terminations; department heads in consultation with Human Resources make all final decisions.

Our thoughts continue to be with our injured employees and their families as well as the entire HSC family. What’s more, we are extremely proud of our hospital’s first responders who quickly provided care to Bob and Lynn following the shooting.

I would like to add that while many of us experience pressures and stress in our lives, violence is never acceptable. Grief counselors will continue to be available to all Hospital employees, patients and their families for all shifts. Additional security is being provided to reassure patients, their families and our employees that their well-being is our top priority.”

John J. Votto, D.O., F.C.C.P.
President and CEO
Hospital for Special Care