Chaos at Crescent City Medical Center by Judith Townsend Rocchiccioli

Six North as Alex suggests.  Any information you gather wi ll help us handle this situation the best way we can."
    Dr. Ashley continued to speak with Alex and the group after Bette left. "Captain Jack Francois will report to us shortly and give us his preliminary findings.  And, to answer your final question, Alex, the Governor does know, and he's terribly upset, distraught even .  We moved Mrs. Raccine to the other VIP suite and he's with her now.  At this point, his concerns are only on his wife."
    The room was quiet as each staff member reflected the situation and contemplated the hospital's situation.  After a few moments, Don Montgomery's secretary, Latetia, entered.  "Mr. Montgomery, the reporters are pressing for a statement.  Are you ready?"
    Don didn't respond, but continued to stare at the floor.  Everyone was looking at him for direction, but he seemed incapable of speaking, much less of making a decision.  He seemed to have checked out.
    Alex glanced at Dr. Ashley and said, "Tell the press we'll issue a statement at ten this morning.  In the meantime, we'll continue to gather information and assess the situation."  The other members of the executive tea m nodded their in agreement.
    Alex spoke sharply. "Don, pull yourself together.  We've got a major crisis here and need to deal with the media and the public."
    There was still no response from the CEO who seemed unable to answer or understand.
    Alex sighed and looked at the group, "Call an emergency meeting   of the Hospital Board of Trustees.  They can help us decide the best way to handle this.  Are you with me on this, Don?"  Alex stared at the CEO .   He didn't answer, but did nod his head.
    Elizabeth Tippett stood to leave the room to notify the board as Alex asked the group , "How did the press find out?"
    Dr. Ashley shrugged his shoulders and replied, "Don't really know.  We suspect a staff member on Six North called them.  Otherwise, we have no idea." 
    “Actually, Dr. Ashley, that’s not right.  Someone made an anonymous call to the CCMC operator and told us to go check on Mrs. Raccine, that something had happened to her and she nee ded help,” Elizabeth reported,  " at least that’s what the nurse told me earlier. "
    Alex could hardly believe her eyes.  “What, someone called us?  We didn’t discover it on our own?  This is incredible.  That must mean that….. "
    “ Exactly," Elizabeth interrupted, " Yes, that whoever is responsible called to let us know,” Elizabeth finished the sentence for her. 
        "Who found Mrs. Raccine?"
        "The night charge nurse reported that she was called b y the hospital operator and told to check on Mrs. Raccine.  The nurse did so and found Mrs. Raccine unresponsive and covered in blood at five-fifteen this morning .  She immediately called hosp ital security, who called Bette, the administrator on call.   After she called me, I contacted Dr. Bonnet.  We all arrived about thirty minutes later.  Then I called the police."
    Alex's stomach knotted when she realized that Mrs. Raccine was Robert's patient.  "Has Bonnet seen Mrs. Raccine since this happened?"
    " Yes, he says she’s stable, and has no physical injury, but is unresponsive, almost comatose. She h asn't moved or spoken since she was discovered.  Her vital signs are stable, except for some heart problems."  Dr. Ashley had a worried look on his face as he paused for a moment and continued , “ The biggest concern here is her mental state, although we' re monitoring her heart which could become a greater concern ." 
    Alex stood up.  "I'm going up to Six North and talk with the sta ff.  If anyone needs me, call my cell.  Let me know about the board meeting."  Alex leaned over and whispered to Elizabeth. "See if you can get Don to pull himself together." 
    "Okay, Alex.  How do you want to handle the press?  We owe them something in less than two hours."  Elizabeth looked desperate.  "They didn't teach us how