When I attempted to call lawyers around this small town of Quincy, IL...no one would even take the slander case. The one that I did find was going to charge $3000 upfront.

EDIT: I just sent an email to the ACLU Illinois chapter requesting help.

Is there no union to help you out? Legal aid, anything like that?

There isn't a union at the hospital...in fact, there was a person who asked if there ever was one and the administration response was typical management of the cost would reflect in how much we charge patients.

On certain Wednesdays, we can consult a lawyer for free at the county courthouse. Whether or not they take the case is another story I'd imagine. I emailed the ACLU, so I'm expecting a call next week from them.

I would pursue a lawsuit (I experienced something similar, but got back at the tax cheating SOB's through the IRS). Is there video surveillance overlooking the desk which can be used as evidence?
In all cases, do not contact the media- they'll go out of they're way to humiliate you.
Try Tom Martino- http://www.troubleshooter.com/
He may assist you or find you a pro bono lawyer.

Good luck!

Mike