MUHC patients’ committee claims it doesn’t have a say in search for new health centre leader

A selection committee conducts interviews this week to find the new head of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), but the search process has caused some controversy.

The outgoing head of the MUHC, Normand Rinfret, will be stepping down at the end of his term in September and the patients’ committee at the MUHC says it hasn’t been given a say in the selection process for his replacement.

READ MORE: MUHC head Normand Rinfret to step down

“They said they assured us that if we wanted to pass along questions we could pass along questions to the patients’ committee representative that is on the board,” said Amy Ma, co-chair of MUHC patients’committee.

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“But that’s not the same thing as having a patient at the table as part of the selection committee who is able to pose questions directly to the potential incoming leader of the MUHC.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "But that's not the same thing as having a patient at the table as part of the selection committee who is able to pose questions directly to the potential incoming leader of the MUHC."

MUHC Public Affairs released this statement on the matter:

“It’s imperative to point out that the president and executive director’s position is a government appointment, based on the recommendation of the minister of health and social services (see Section 9 of the Act).”

READ MORE: Canadian musician gives back to choir at MUHC psychiatric department

“The minister makes his recommendation on the basis of a list of names provided by the board of directors of the MUHC.”

“Within the board of directors there is a representative from the users’ committee. Therefore, the MUHC has not shut them down from the selection process.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Within the board of directors there is a representative from the users' committee. Therefore, the MUHC has not shut them down from the selection process."

Ma said the patients’ committee is looking for the new leader to understand the importance that patients and families have.

“We want a leader that will put patients and families first, not a politician,” Ma said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "We want a leader that will put patients and families first, not a politician," Ma said.

“It would make sense that we would have a chance to have our say in who this leader is.”

READ MORE: After criticism, MUHC clarifies its assisted-dying policy

As for the future, Ma says they will reply to the letter from the chair of the board and reiterate their disappointment.

“We understand the challenges and we feel that we should be heard,” Ma said.