Daywatch: Endeavor Health paying up to $453 million to settle abuse claims

Good morning, Chicago.

Endeavor Health is spending up to $453 million to settle patients’ claims alleging one of its former doctors sexually abused them, the Chicago-area hospital system disclosed in its latest financial statement Monday.

The financial statement did not name the doctor. But Endeavor and Swedish Hospital are currently facing 61 lawsuits brought by former patients of gynecologist-obstetrician Dr. Fabio Ortega, accusing him of sexually abusing them while he worked at NorthShore University HealthSystem, which is now Endeavor. Settlements in principle have already been reached in those lawsuits. Ortega also formerly worked at Swedish, which is now part of Endeavor.

The former patients have accused Ortega of sexual assault or abuse during routine gynecological appointments, contending he groped them, conducted unnecessary or inappropriate vaginal exams or asked inappropriate questions. Ortega was charged criminally in Cook County and pleaded guilty to felony criminal sexual abuse of two patients in 2021.

Read the full story from the Tribune’s Emily Hoerner and Lisa Schencker.

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