June 8, 2007, Alliston – The elected members of the Board of Directors of Stevenson Memorial Hospital today announced their resignations. The resignations are a proactive step to protect the hospital.

"It is with regret and frustration that the Board of Directors has after many hours of negotiation decided to resign from their positions effective immediately" a disappointed Dr. Nigel Gripper announced today. He also noted that "It is our hope that our resignations today pave the way for the Ministry of Health to appoint a supervisor who has the ability to bring in appropriate resources to the hospital on a go-forward basis to meet the growing demands of our community including the appointment of a new independent board with the appropriate skills and experience".

The Ministry of Health & Long Term Care has been actively involved with the hospital board during this process and is fully aware of the Board’s decision.

"This is a difficult course of action to take" noted Dr. Gripper. "Board members must remain independent at all times and act in the best interest of the patient, the community, and the hospital. It is a fundamental right for an individual board member to be independent and to be able to vote freely, as opposed to having the board monopolized by a "single voice" group. It is our belief that the removal of all board members is not in the best interest of the hospital or community. The board should go through a controlled transition thereby retaining corporate knowledge while introducing new skills and vision. The board is also very concerned about the negative publicity SMH has received of late, and the impact this is having on the hospital’s morale and ability to attract and retain doctors."

Dr. Gripper indicated his belief that the hospital can be served better at this time with the intervention of the Ministry of Health. The board members, as individuals, are prepared to work with the supervisor and the Ministry of Health to ensure an orderly transition.

The Board thanks the dedicated hospital staff, medical staff, volunteers of Stevenson Memorial Hospital and the community for their support and understanding during these difficult times.