Health board's Former CEO, board member describe power struggle
Jorge Barrera
Northern News Services
Fort Smith (Feb 19/01) - What the former top administrator calls an internal power struggle has led to another health board casualty.
A six-year member of the Fort Smith Health Board, Allan Heron resigned Feb. 8, saying he "didn't like what was going on."
Heron said some board members are meddling in matters beyond their capacity.
"CEO's don't last long because of interference," said Heron.
Heron's sentiments were echoed by former CEO Brent Woodford.
"I wanted the next human resources officer to be fully qualified, but some on the board wanted to hire somebody at entry-level qualifications," said Woodford. He said this was the final straw that led to his resignation after three years on the job. His last day was Feb. 9.
"They were telling me what to do at a micromanagement level," he said.
Board chair Brenda Johnson suggested Woodford quit because of a dispute over a new contract.
But she agreed the resignations are difficult on the board.
"Right now we are going through tough times," said Johnson.
"We're working strongly to keep what we have."
Besides Heron and Woodford, the health board's chief financial officer and human resources manager have also resigned.
The last two jobs have been vacant for months, but Johnson said they're close to hiring a new financial officer.
The territorial health department has stepped in to plug some holes. It recently named Rick Trimp as interim CEO.
Health minister Jane Groenewegen said the department is doing what it can to resolve the situation.
"There's been some new information we have to deal with," said Groenewegen last week.
The list of problems keeps getting longer for the territory's health department.
The town's only resident doctors, Gary and Carol Benson, resigned last week.
Locum (temporary) doctors are filling the void.
The board also has to deal with a budget deficit.
"It never rains but it pours," said Groenewegen.
