The CHUM announced Tuesday that director Jacques Turgeon has had a change of heart and will return to his duties after publicly stepping down last week .
After Turgeon walked off the job, several other members of the French superhospital’s board of directors followed suit by handing in their resignations on Friday.
The members of the board resigned en masse because of what they consider meddling by Quebec Health Minister Gaetan Barrette.
Turgeon explained it was Barrette’s interference by naming Dr. Patrick Harris as the new head of surgery, even though no one on the CHUM’s board of directors supported that nomination, that led to his resignation.
Ever since the resignations, Barrette has urged Turgeon to stay on as director for the health complex, set to open next year.
On Tuesday, Barrette confirmed Turgeon’s reinstatement as CHUM director. The former was facing pressure from opposition parties to resign since Turgeon quit March 5.
Turgeon said he and Barrette had "long" discussions prior to this announcement.
"We have both decided that we are looking forward and that is what we will be doing. His commitment to see the CHUM being a success is too much of an important project for society," he said.
Turgeon says he felt that the minister was open, he was listening to him, and Turgeon is happy to resume his post with energy and enthusiasm.
He added he has no personal conflict with the Barrette.
Barrette said he is hoping for a return to normal at the CHUM and that the ministry’s main goal is to assure the stability necessary for the opening of the French superhospital.
Barrette also said he has full confidence in Turgeon’s skills.
“Everyone knows of Jacques Turgeon’s integrity, honesty and management abilities,” said Barrette. “His competence will benefit Quebecers so that the new CHUM can treat patients starting November 2016.”
Turgeon’s nomination takes effect in April and continues for three years.
