Hospital CEO still on paid leave

By Les Bowen for Lake Chelan Mirror   |   Aug. 5, 2009   |   Original source behind paywall

Commissioners at Chelan County Hospital District No. 2 conducted a special meeting Friday, July 31.

The only agenda item was an executive session to discuss a personnel matter.

At the conclusion of the meeting Chairwoman Mary Pat Scofield read a prepared statement, stating that no decision have been made.

“The commissioners want to make factual and reasonable decisions for the benefit of the hospital and the employee involved,” said Scofield. “We have determined that in order to be factually accurate we need to conduct further investigation and that will be done as rapidly and thoroughly as possible.”

She said once investigation is complete, the board will take immediate action.

The board did not indicate the name of the employee discussed, but Lake Chelan Community Hospital CEO Dave Bernier is still on paid administrative and has been since June.

The board failed to properly give notice to members of the media which have on file with the district a request to be notified.

The Mirror received its notice via e-mail at 1:40 p.m. the day prior to the 9 a.m. meeting. State law requires notice to be sent 24 hours in advance.

LCCH Chief Financial Officer Kevin Abel explained the failure to provide notice was an oversight and staff is taking actions to correct the issue.