Settlement in James Woods lawsuit

WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) - After more than two weeks of testimony, the judge presiding over the wrongful death suit filed against Kent Hospital by actor James Woods said Tuesday afternoon the case has been settled.

As part of the deal the hospital announced the creation of the Michael J. Woods Institute, which it said would focus on human-centered patient care

“This remarkable action of accountability has turned a bitter event into a landmark opportunity for hope," James Woods said. “The experience of my brother Michael Woods shines a light on what can occur in any institution where individuals are called upon to make life and death decisions while facing the most challenging conditions,”

The movie star and Rhode Island native was suing the hospital in the death of his brother, Michael Woods. He maintained his brother received negligent care when he visited the hospital's emergency room three years ago complaining of a sore throat.

Michael Woods, who suffered from heart disease, went into cardiac arrest several hours later and died.

The hospital said it will invest $1.25 million over the next five years to redesign the care process beginning in the emergency department.

“Human errors in the healthcare setting occur for a number of reasons, but at the root of many of them is poor communication. These weaknesses in the delivery system will only be eradicated when the human factor is considered in designing the solution,” said Sandra Coletta, President and Chief Executive Officer at Kent Hospital. “We know we're not perfect at Kent Hospital. Mistakes were made. We can do better."