Management problems at Central Health being addressed, health minister says

Health MinisterJohn Haggiehas spoken publiclyabout ongoingmanagement issues within Central Health,his former employer, after weeks of silence about how the regional health authority is being run.

CBC News had previously asked Haggie for comment on a number of issues about Central Healthincluding complaints from doctors about bullying and harassment from managersbut he had refused.

• John Haggie not treating management problems at Central Health, say doctors
• 'Bullying and harassment': Gander doctor files human rights complaint against Central Health

Haggie, a Gander-based surgeon who was elected in November's general election,answered questions Tuesday in the House of Assembly.

"[The chair of Central Health's board] is holding a series of confidential bilaterals with representatives from physicians and senior management, independently, from across the district," he said during question period on Wednesday.

"It is their responsibility to deal with those issues and I have confidence that they're doing that."

Independent review

Former health ministerSteve Kentisn't satisfied with Haggie's involvement in the process.

"I would remind the minister that he has a responsibility, in addition to the board," Kent told the house.

Kent is calling for an independent review of senior management and administration at Central Health.

Haggie described management tactic as 'Machiavellian'

Before entering politics, Haggieworked atJames Paton Memorial Hospital in Gander.

Two months before he was elected, the hospital was facing a shortage of operating room assistants. In response to that, the health authority asked doctors to volunteer their time.

Haggie wrote an email saying the request was a "Machiavellian way to resolve the issue."

The email which was sent to the chief of staff and copied to other colleagues also said the health authority had an "ostrich style of management."

This isn't the first time the health authority has had to deal with management issues.

An independent review of Central Health's Department of Diagnostic Imaging was completed lastAugust after radiologists put forth some concerns.

The report included 18 recommendations, 13 of which Haggie said have already been implemented.

"Five of them are in the process of being implemented," Haggie said.

Kent saidall of the report's recommendations need to beimplemented.

"There are major patient safety concerns," he said.

Haggie saida conflict management specialist was recruited to go into Central Health.

He saidthere was also a conflict resolution course for physicians and staff.