Melanie Fraser leaving role as Health P.E.I. CEO amid dispute with family doctors
CBC
Health P.E.I. chief executive officer Melanie Fraser is leaving the role, effective immediately, the provincial government said in a news release Wednesday.
“Melanie helped advance important work within Health P.E.I. and supporting efforts to recruit more health-care professionals to our province,” Health Minister Cory Deagle is quoted as saying in the release.
“We thank her for her service during a challenging time in our health-care system.”
Fraser’s departure comes after 93 Island physicians signed a letter to Premier Rob Lantz, Health Minister Cory Deagle, and Health P.E.I. board chair Richard Wedge saying they have lost confidence in Fraser’s leadership.
CBC News obtained a copy of that letter and spoke with five of the doctors who signed it. None wanted to do an interview, but they confirmed the letter is legitimate and their concerns are real.
“Over the past 18+ months, we have experienced a catastrophic deterioration in our relationship with HPEI under Ms. Fraser's leadership,” the letter reads.
That relationship, the letter goes on to say, suffered "deep damage" that is "beyond repair."
This all comes at a time when Prince Edward Island’s health-care system is under significant pressure. Three Island doctors recently informed Health P.E.I. that they are leaving their practices, adding to ongoing concerns about access to primary care.
Fraser was hired as Health P.E.I.’s CEO in 2024 and began the role in March of that year.
She followed Dr. Michael Gardam — who had a public spat with the provincial government over its decision to support a new medical school at UPEI — and interim CEO Corinne Rowswell at the helm of the provincial health authority.
The release said Laurae Kloschinsky, who is currently the assistant deputy minister of mental health and addictions with the Department of Health and Wellness, will serve as interim CEO.
“Our focus remains on supporting the health-care professionals delivering care across Prince Edward Island and improving access to care for Islanders,” P.E.I. Premier Rob Lantz is quoted as saying in the release.
“I have confidence that the leadership team at Health P.E.I. will stay focused on the health-care priority of Islanders — access to quality health-care services provided by a dedicated team of physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, and allied health professionals.”
The province said it will work closely with Health P.E.I.'s board of directors "on an expedited and competitive process for appointing a permanent CEO."
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