To: Hon. D. Matthews, MPP Minister of Health and Long-Term Care
M. Barrett, CEO South West LHIN

Cc: I. McCallum, Page Editor St. Thomas Times-Journal

Subject: St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital Fiasco

I am sending this request by e-mail as time is of the essence. I would like to draw your attention to the events undermining public trust and confidence that are unfolding at the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital involving the “retired” CEO Paul Collins.

STEGH CEO and President Paul Collins

To-date the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital board of governors has ignored strongly worded direction given by two elected municipal bodies; the Elgin County Council and the St. Thomas City Council calling for the replacement of CEO Paul Collins. Further St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital board of governors is reportedly about to give Mr. Collins a new 5-year contract.
“It is Council’s considered opinion that the public’s perception of the circumstances surrounding the position’s reappointment are irrevocably tainted… ”

This situation has contributed to the resignation of a prominent businessman from the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital transition committee.

“The news of the recent actions of the Board of Governors of the STEGH in the face of municipal opposition is deeply offensive. The sheer arrogance of entitlement which controls the thinking of the Board of Governors of our hospital boggles the mind.”

I understand that you have the authority to intervene and put an end to this management fiasco and request your immediate attention to the matter.

Respectfully,

Bill Sandison
St. Thomas, ON