Jacques Turgeon returning to CHUM superhospital board
Turgeon resigned as CEO last week with other board members citing government 'interference'
Jacques Turgeon will be returning to his post as CEO of the CHUM superhospital less than a week after announcing his resignation, citing "interference" from Quebec's health minister.
The ministry of health issued a news release Tuesday morning saying that Turgeon has accepted the position ahead of the new centre opening in June 2016.
"Our only objective is to ensure the stability and continuity necessary for the opening of the new CHUM in June 2016. For this reason, I welcome the appointment of Mr. Turgeon as he, like me and all the CHUM staff, have at heart first and foremost the health and care of patients,” wrote Health Minister Gaétan Barrette.
Turgeon will be appointed for a three-year term beginning April 1 and ending March 31, 2018.
Barrette said he hopes the current board meets as soon as possible to restore Turgeon in his functions.
Turgeon: The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CHUM?src=hash">#CHUM</a> is a "project for society" that needs to be run "with integrity" <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cbcmtl?src=hash">#cbcmtl</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CBCMontreal">@CBCMontreal</a> <a href="http://t.co/CbSlnomxJU">pic.twitter.com/CbSlnomxJU</a>
—@RebeccaUgoliniAt a news conference Tuesday afternoon, Turgeon thanked the members of the board who supported his decision to return.
"Minister Barrette and the Premier have assured us that conditions will be put in place to avoid any perception of interference, and to guarantee good governance," said Turgeon.
As part of those conditions, Barrette has agreed to “consider” applications from resigning board members, including Jean-Claude Deschênes who resigned last week, when the new board of directors is appointed, starting April 1st.
The CHUM will also put in place a conflict resolution system to deal with any future problems that arise.
"It's not about finding out who is right and who is wrong," said Turgeon regarding his conflict with Barrette, adding that the focus should be on the CHUM, which must be "run with integrity."
"It's been said that crises are opportunities to grow," said Deschênes, who appeared at the press conference via teleconference. "I think we're all coming through a difficult situation, with the mission of the CHUM at heart."