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St. Cloud Hospital Sued

02/06/2013 - 9:30 AM

ST. CLOUD, Minn. (AP) - A spokeswoman for St. Cloud Hospital says the medical facility believes no patients were substantially harmed by a former nurse's drug diversion program. But four people who were treated there are proceeding with a lawsuit.

The former patients accuse the hospital and former nurse Blake Zenner of negligence. The lawsuits in Stearns County court allege the four patients developed bloodstream infections because of Zenner's drug diversion and that the infections led to high fevers and pain. Zenner admitting siphoning pain medication from IV bags for personal use.

St. Cloud Hospital spokeswoman Jeanine Nistler tells the St. Cloud Times the four patients who are suing opted not to meet with the hospital and to pursue legal action instead. Zenner pleaded guilty to stealing the painkiller medication and has surrendered his nursing license.

His attorney says Zenner is working to resolve the lawsuits.