According to a recent report from CBC News, the board chair of Vitalité Health Network is stepping down. Thomas Soucy announced his departure at a public board meeting on Tuesday. He claims a disagreement with New Brunswick Health Minister John Dornan led to his exit. Dornan flatly denies this claim and states the departure is simply the end of a term.

A Clash Over Leadership

Soucy told Radio Canada he reached a mutual agreement with Dornan to leave his post. He expressed sadness over the departure because he felt deeply invested in the role.

“The minister and I worked closely together and met regularly,” Soucy said. He noted they agreed on almost all health matters to better serve the people of New Brunswick. However, he pointed to one major issue.

“The only point of disagreement we might have had concerns my respect for the senior leadership team at Vitalité,” Soucy said. He confirmed this specific disagreement linked directly to his departure.

The Minister Pushes Back

Dornan spoke to reporters at the legislature on Wednesday and offered a completely different story. He stated Soucy is leaving simply because his term ended.

“We screen people that we consider putting on our board,” Dornan said. “They serve their term. And then we look for new people that bring in new approaches that are able to also help our health networks.”

Dornan emphasized that doing a good job does not guarantee an indefinite appointment.

CEO Confidence and Past Tensions

Vitalité CEO France Desrosiers maintains confidence in her position. She described her relationship with Dornan as collegial.

“My board of directors expressed great confidence in me again today, and this isn’t the first time,” Desrosiers said. She reminded reporters that the board of directors appoints and evaluates the CEO under the law.

Dornan also confirmed he still trusts Desrosiers and is not trying to push her out. He noted the importance of keeping an arm’s length relationship between the Health Department and regional health authority boards. If you follow New Brunswick healthcare politics, you know Dornan understands this dynamic well. Former premier Blaine Higgs fired Dornan as CEO of Horizon Health in 2022. Dornan later won a record breaking two million dollars in an unjust dismissal case against the province.

The Campbellton Connection

Reporters asked Dornan if a recent staffing dispute in Campbellton played a role in Soucy’s exit. Vitalité recently redeployed nurse practitioners from primary care to the emergency room at the Campbellton Regional Hospital. The Health Department requested Vitalité send them back.

Dornan denied any connection between this dispute and the board chair leaving.

“Absolutely no connection,” Dornan said. He praised Soucy for his service and reiterated that the term simply expired.

Dornan defended his intervention in the Campbellton staffing issue. He stated his mandate as health minister is to provide primary care and keep emergency departments open.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Thomas Soucy leaving Vitalité Health Network?

Soucy claims he is leaving due to a disagreement with Health Minister John Dornan over respect for Vitalité’s senior leadership. Dornan says Soucy is leaving because his term expired.

Who appoints the CEO of Vitalité Health Network?

The board of directors appoints and evaluates the CEO under provincial law.

What is the recent dispute at the Campbellton Regional Hospital?

Vitalité moved nurse practitioners from primary care to the emergency room to cover shortages. The provincial Health Department directed Vitalité to return the nurses to primary care.