Renfrew – The Ontario government has appointed a supervisor at Renfrew Victoria Hospital following a third-party review.

According to a release from the Ontario government, the supervisor will work with the hospital executives to “strengthen its governance, accountability and ability to provide the best care possible to its patients and their families.

 A release from the Ministry of Health last Thursday explained Altaf Stationwala will work closely with RVH CEO Julia Boudreau, the board of directors and staff to address concerns regarding hospital governance and management practices, including financial practices that were identified during a review by Ontario Health and an independent third party.

“During Mr. Stationwala’s tenure as supervisor, regular operations at Renfrew Victoria Hospital will continue,” the release noted. “People needing to connect to care at …. will see no disruption in service and will be able to access all regular programs and services.”

Sources who wish to remain anonymous stressed the community can rest assured there has been no misappropriation of funds. Anonymous sources also reached out to other media outlets alleging $6.59 million was transferred between 2019 and 2022 from RVH to Renfrew Health, which is a separate entity run out of the hospital. The Renfrew and Area Health Services Village also provides a home for physicians, among other things and has contributed to the successful recruitment of many physicians to the area.

The hospital released a statement stating the CEO, board of directors and staff will collaborate with Mr. Stationwala to address the concerns.

The release from RVH also stressed his appointment “will not impact the delivery of patient care or services delivered by the hospital and does not reflect on the exceptional patient care provided by our physicians, nurses and staff each and every day.

 “As stated by both the ministry and the Renfrew Victoria Hospital, the appointment of a supervisor is not related to the provision or delivery of healthcare,” Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP John Yakabuski told the Leader. “Once he has completed his assignment, the public can be assured that RVH will continue to provide the excellent health care services it always has.”  

Mr. Stationwala comes to the position with broad leadership experience in the hospital sector. Currently the President and CEO of Mackenzie Health, a position he has held since 2010, he previously served as the Chief Operating Officer at Mount Sinai Hospital and as chair of the Ontario Hospital Association.

He has a master’s degree in health administration and is an adjunct professor at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto. He is also a supervisor with Accreditation Canada.