Fired London hospital CEO files $2.5M lawsuit

London Health Sciences Centre's ousted chief executive, Paul Woods, is seeking $2.5 million in damages after he was abruptly turfed by the hospital's board Monday.

In a statement of claim filed in Ontario Superior Court Wednesday, a copy of which was obtained by Postmedia News, Woods is asking for $1.4 million in damages from the hospital, equal to the base salary, benefits and pension he would have received from Jan. 10 to Jan. 14, 2023 — the end of his five-year contract.

Woods is also seeking $1 million in general damages for loss of reputation and $100,000 in damages for unproven breaches to Ontario's Human Rights Code.

In the statement of claim, which has been served to LHSC and includes allegations that have not yet been tested in court, Woods is also asking for a declaration that LHSC defamed him.

Woods' fiancee, daughter and former spouse live in Michigan, the statement of claim said. Woods claims he discussed his family situation, and the possibility of him working from home, with LHSC'S general counsel and board chair Amy Walby on June 16, and did not take the decision to travel to the U.S. lightly. The statement of claim also alleges Woods communicated by text to Walby in October about a planned trip to see his immediate family in the U.S. The claim alleges Walby's response was, “You certainly deserve some time off!”

Woods was notified Sunday about the board terminating his employment, the statement of claim said.