Candidate’s suit presents potential conflict

Scottsdale City Council candidate Lisa Borowsky is entangled in a medical malpractice lawsuit she filed against Scottsdale Healthcare, the city’s largest employer, which recently submitted initial plans to seek a major rezoning of its downtown campus.

Borowsky wants an open, clear-thinking City Council

If elected to the council, Borowsky would likely have to vote whether to grant a rezoning for Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn hospital, which would include a number of new buildings and parking garages — including many mid-rise office buildings and a high-rise hospital tower. The hospital group will also occasionally chime in on public policy, such as when it sent a letter last year requesting Indian School Road be widened beyond what was proposed in the master transportation plan.

“I don’t see that it would present a conflict,” said Borowsky, a lawyer. “I understand mistakes happen, and I certainly wouldn’t penalize or have any perceived judgment about the hospital itself.”

Borowsky said while she doesn’t see a conflict, she said an analysis would be done to determine if she could vote on matters related to Scottsdale Healthcare.

Scottsdale Healthcare spokesman Keith Jones said he could not comment on the pending legal action.

A trial has been set for May in which Borowsky is seeking unspecified damages. The lawsuit filed in May 2007 names Scottsdale Healthcare and a surgeon with privileges at the company’s hospitals.

The suit states that in May 2005, Borowsky was admitted to Scottsdale Healthcare Shea hospital after complaining of nausea and abdominal discomfort.

The suit states that Borowsky’s appendectomy at Scottsdale Healthcare was not properly performed and that she was discharged despite ongoing complaints of pain. As a result, Borowsky claims she required another surgery and follow-up care at Mayo Clinic to correct programs she had after the appendectomy.

Borowsky claims Scottsdale Healthcare and the doctor “fell below the standard of care in the industry.”

Scottsdale Healthcare operates three hospitals in the city — Osborn, Shea and Thompson Peak.

Borowsky is one of eight council candidates seeking three seats in the Sept. 2 election.