Community Still Angry Over Million Dollar Severance Package

Protesters with Americans for Prosperity and their supporters gathered outside of Memorial Hospital Wednesday afternoon to rally against the Memorial Hospital Board for agreeing to give outgoing CEO Dr. Larry McEvoy a $1.15 million severance package.

Protesters said that the this incident weakens the trust between the municipal government and the community.

“We are losing confidence in the city becasue of what is going on. They (The City Council) have taken a strong stand,” said Ed Bircham, a retired businessman.

Tuesday, Council said it was displeased with the board since learning of a $1 million severance package given to McEvoy. By law, the board did not have to seek Council approval for the package.

After Tuesday’s meeting there was applause from the audience, including some Memorial employees, after the vote to get rid of most current board members. Ronald Rains, director of adult critical care services, said the vote should improve morale at the city-owned hospital.

“Many of the staff physicians, nurses and other personnel felt like their voices weren’t being heard by the board,” he said. “This expanded compensation package was a bit of a slap in the face.”

Council Member Angela Dougan said she has been contacted by many hospital employees that told her they were upset by the board’s decision. Dougan said many hospital workers told her about a video they had to watch to explain wage freezes, and how the board’s decision is an insult to all of those employees.

“I think it is very hard to have employees watch a video say money and incentives don’t count- it is for the patients. Most of the hard workers do believe that, but to turn around and do this,” said Dougan.

Unresolved issues remain, however. The Council and city attorney will start a two-week review of McEvoy’s severance agreement.