Following a closed-door meeting Saturday, Oak Bluffs, Mass.-based Martha's Vineyard Hospital’s board said it unanimously stands by its decision to fire former hospital President and CEO Joseph Woodin, according to a Cape Cod Times report.
The board said it made the formal decision to fire Mr. Woodin June 7. However, Mr. Woodin told the Vineyard Gazette he was "summarily fired" June 5 with "no notice." At the time of his dismissal, Mr. Woodin had served as president and CEO of the hospital for more than a year.
Martha’s Vineyard Hospital Chairman Timothy Sweet reportedly sent an email to hospital staff June 5 stating Mr. Woodin was "stepping down from his position as president and CEO," according to the Cape Cod Times report.
After its meeting Saturday, the board released a statement acknowledging its silence "has caused the community great distress" but that it has "opted not to speak publicly about the details" of Mr. Woodin's termination.
The statement continued, stating "based on information from members of the hospital community," the board was concerned about losing "individuals who are essential to the operations of the hospital and the delivery of care to [its] patients," according to the report. It is unclear whether the "information" the board received led to Mr. Woodin's firing.
Mr. Woodin told the Times he is "trying to be careful" and had no comment on the issue.
Former Martha's Vineyard Hospital President and CEO Timothy Walsh will lead the facility until the board finds a permanent replacement.