A hospital in northeastern Wisconsin has lost a court battle to keep health care staff who want to work elsewhere.
The civil court case between ThedaCare and Ascension Wisconsin comes at a time when health professionals are in great demand across the U.S.
Attorneys for Ascension argued in court Monday that ThedaCare had known for weeks the employees were resigning and should have prepared for that instead of responding with a "frantic, last-minute lawsuit.".
Just days before, seven former employees of ThedaCare were to start new jobs at Ascension's St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton.
Judge McGinnis had temporarily blocked the move until a court hearing could be held and ThedaCare could find replacement staff at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Neenah.
Workforce shortages have stressed health care systems around the state during the pandemic, which have actively recruited workers with bonuses and other enticements.
It said the broader case, in which ThedaCare argues that Ascension inappropriately group-recruited these employees, will go forward in court. »
