Hospital operates in state of gridlock as new CEO enters

There is no time for Andree Robichaud to ease into the job of president and CEO of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre as the hospital continues to operate in a state of gridlock.

"I understand the numbers have gone down today, but we’re in a gridlock and we need to resolve the situation," she said Friday, her first day on the job.

Senior hospital management has been working with the Local Health Integrated Network on a short- and long-term plan to resolve the overflow of patients and Robichaud said there was a meeting scheduled later in the afternoon to concentrate on a short-term solution. The gridlock is not a new problem to Robichaud, who comes to Thunder Bay from New Brunswick where she managed a group of 11 hospitals.

"It’s not a Thunder Bay issues; it’s a Canadian issue," she said. "From coast-to-coast this is a huge issue."

But a universal solution won’t work for the entire country; every community can have their local solution, she said.

"What really needs to happen is the partners need to come together – that’s happening here – and really find a way to address it locally," said Robichaud.

Aside from the gridlock, the new CEO said she was planning on spending her first few days on the job meeting and listening to staff, board members and community members.

And while funding is a challenge to health care, Robichaud said another issue to tackle is acquiring more health-care workers.

"The supply is where we really need to pour our efforts to be able to train people so they can take over because our health care workers are getting older," she said. "However, what I’ve seen here is that this new building has permitted you to recruit. With your research institute, you’re getting top-notch professionals. I think you have it right here."

The TBRHSC’s reputation around education and research is one of the reasons Robichaud was attracted to the position; that and the warm reception she received when she came for her interview earlier in the year.

"That sold my husband and I – the people and I’m talking people as well as the professional team here in the hospital. The organization here is first class so Mr. Saddington has done an excellent job and I hope to continue the good work that he’s done."

Outgoing CEO Ron Saddington said he was completely comfortable passing the torch onto Robichaud and said she’ll fit in well at the Health Sciences Centre.

"She’s on top of the issues," he said. "She understands the dynamics… she’s going to do just fine."

Saddington will hold onto the title of CEO until he walks out the door Friday evening and said it was a surreal day.

"It’s a day that seemed like a long way away and all of a sudden it’s here," he said. "I’m not exactly sure how it’s gong to feel Monday morning when I wake up and I’m not getting dressed to come to work, but it’s been a great career. I have no regrets."