Calls for under-fire chairman of Ayrshire Hospice to stand down
Calls have been issued for the chairman of Ayrshire Hospice to resign.
John Corrigan is facing calls to quit after accusations his board ‘sat on their hands’ following complaints made about the leadership of their outgoing CEO.
Last week, the Post reported how CEO Carla MacEwan, who pocketed an £80,000-a-year salary, was facing the axe after mounting concerns over her leadership came from within the organisation.
Now claims from multiple sources say the hospice board, spearheaded by Mr Corrigan, failed to heed complaints made about Ms MacEwan, who is now on ‘gardening leave’, during her 18-month tenure.
One source said: “Carla MacEwan is a symptom of what is truly wrong at the hospice.
“John Corrigan stands accountable and should fall on his sword.”
Mr Corrigan is also facing claims that the board were too slow in looking into concerns about MacEwan’s leadership and that enabled a negative culture to permeate the organisation.
Another insider said: “Despite being made aware of difficulties and grievances being raised, it has been those who raised those concerns that have been unfairly treated.
“It’s resulted in-ill health to some and their removal from the organisation. Complaints were made and staff started leaving almost as soon as the CEO was appointed.
“It’s taken 18 months to do anything.
“They [the board] ignored professional staff who acted with honesty and integrity to protect the hospice and patients.
“Consultants have left, senior managers, clinical, administrative and fundraising staff - all with excellent track records.
“Nothing was done, except to pay for their silence, remove them or ignore them.”
Another source added: “What I find most disappointing is that John Corrigan, the chairman, is not standing down too.”
When asked for a comment to the criticisms and calls for Mr Corrigan’s resignation, a spokesman for the hospice replied: “It is not the policy of The Ayrshire Hospice to comment on the detail of internal staffing matters.
“We can, however, confirm that Carla MacEwan will leave her post as CEO in April.”