Health network CEO's departure raises questions

Vitalité Health Network's outgoing president is denying claims from the Opposition Progressive Conservative that she's leaving the francophone health corporation over recent problems.

Andrée Robichaud is stepping down as president and chief executive officer of the Vitalité Health Network, which is one of two health corporations in New Brunswick, and taking a job with the Thunder Bay Regional Academic Health Science Centre.

The New Brunswick Tories are alleging Robichaud didn't jump from her post but was pushed.

Tory MLA Claude Williams said that Robichaud is taking the heat over recent allegations of poor management.

But Robichaud said she decided to move to Ontario and the New Brunswick health authority's board of directors wanted her to stay.

Aldéa Landry, the chairwoman of the health authority's board of directors, said she's happy for Robichaud personally but she said her departure is a real loss for Vitalité Health Network.

"The innuendos and accusations that Mr. Williams is saying, I really don't get," Landry said.

The health network is facing a controversy among many of its doctors.

Dr. Richard Garceau, a microbiologist, was suspended more than a month ago but many doctors at the Dr. Georges L. Dumont Regional Hospital in Moncton said they do not know why he was disciplined.

Many doctors at the Moncton hospital walked out last week in a show of solidarity for Garceau.

Some doctors have alleged Garceau was suspended for being outspoken. The microbiologist had said earlier this year that the hospital had been poorly managed.

Robichaud said Garceau was not suspended for any public comments but has not elaborated on the reason.

Finding a replacement

The health authority's chairwoman said the board is now hiring a recruiting firm to go on the same kind of search that landed Robichaud the job in Thunder Bay.

"Usually they will do it nationally and bring some recommendations and proceed with interviews and then we'll make a decision at the board," Landry said.

Robichaud will stay on until October and Landry said she hopes her replacement will be ready by then.

Robichaud said part of the draw to heading to Thunder Bay is the offer came with job and education opportunities for her husband and sons.

"From a career and family perspective, I thought it was time, 49 years old, I thought it was time to make the jump," she said.