The McDonough District Hospital board has agreed on the next course of action regarding hospital President and CEO Brian Dietz.
Following a nearly 90 minute executive session on Tuesday, Jan. 2, the board agreed that Dietz should remain suspended with pay through Feb. 5.
Dietz was suspended following a board meeting on Dec. 28.
Board Chairperson Jere Greuel and board member Dan O’Neill will oversee an investigation by the hospital's legal counsel into numerous allegations in anonymous letters sent to MDH board members.
As TSPR has reported, the letter writers say they’re hospital employees who believe Dietz is spending recklessly. They also complain about a toxic work environment, and that they fear retaliation if they reveal their identities.
MDH Chief Financial Officer Bill Murdock is serving as interim CEO while the legal counsel conducts its investigation.
Mary Kathleen Lockard is the new medical staff president.
She told the board before the closed session meeting Tuesday that news of the suspension boosted staff morale.
She said workers are feeling relieved and happy to come to work.
(CORRECTION: The story initially reported Greuel and O'Neill will conduct the investigation.)
Tri States Public Radio produced this story. TSPR relies on financial support from our readers and listeners in order to provide coverage of the issues that matter to west central Illinois, southeast Iowa, and northeast Missouri. As someone who values the content created by TSPR's news department please consider making a financial contribution.
