Herr v. St. Francis Hospital

HENDERSON, P.J.,

An interesting issue involving statutory construction is posed in this case. Defendant has challenged the *611jurisdiction of this court, alleging that the Health Care Services Malpractice Act of October 15,1975, P.L. 390, 40 P.S. §1301.101 et seq., has given exclusive jurisdiction over plaintiffs claim to arbitration panels established pursuant to that act.

Plaintiff’s cause of action is based upon the following allegations. Plaintiff was confined to the psychiatric ward on the fifth floor of defendant St. Francis Hospital after he attempted to commit suicide. On March 26,1976, he…