The President and CEO of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) has responded to an investigator’s report, which blasts the organizations he leads.
While he questions some of the findings in the report, Colin Patey says the CKHA will work with the supervisor being appointed by the province
“Over a very short period of time, the investigator attempted to examine some of our organization’s processes and practices,” Patey said in a statement sent to the Sydenham Current.
“Like any institution, we expect we have room for improvement. We are committed to making improvements. The brief report did contain inaccurate information and statements which on their own misrepresents the character of our organization. I believe we all need to better understand the report’s findings in context in order to appropriately move forward as an organization.”
Patey added it has been a challenging journey and a difficult year.
“I believe that the appointment of a supervisor is necessary and will help bring stability to our governance situation,” he stated.
“The long standing governance issue needs to be addressed in order to restore confidence in the local healthcare system. As with the investigator, the supervisor will have our full cooperation and support in completing their work.
Bonnie Adamson, who was tasked in June with leading the investigation, concluded that a supervisor should be appointed to the CKHA to “restore robust governance and administrative/clinical leadership to ensure sustainable and appropriate oversight of patient care and financial management.”
Her findings, which are detailed in the report, says the CKHA leadership and two Chatham boards have not acted in “good faith” nor have they used their best efforts to explore go forward options for reconciliation.
Read our full story on Adamson’s report here: Investigator’s report blasts CKHA leadership
After receiving the report and accepting Adamson’s recommendation, Dr. Eric Hoskins, the Minister of Health and Long Term Care, said in a letter that the Liberal government places a high value on and is a strong supporter of volunteer, local public hospital governance.
“However, in my view, the delivery of hospital services are now in jeopardy and I believe it is in the best interest of the patients and the people who depend on your hospitals to act now before the situation further deteriorates,” he wrote.
“The ministry understands and continues to support the important work of PGH, SJH and SDH. If a supervisor is named, we will work together to ensure that this process is completed in a timely and efficient manner.”
The issue and report is set to be discussed on Wednesday evening at the Sydenham District Hospital Board’s meeting in Wallaceburg.
Watch for more on this story.
– Photo credit: CKHA on YouTube
