Just over two years after the former President and CEO of the London Health Sciences Centre filed a $2.5-million lawsuit against the hospital network, the two sides seem to have reached a peaceful agreement.
Late Thursday afternoon, LHSC released a statement regarding a 2021 lawsuit filed by Dr. Paul Woods alleging he was wrongfully dismissed. Woods was fired by LHSC after it came to light that he had travelled to the United States several times throughout the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) and Dr. Paul Woods are pleased to announce that they have reached an amicable resolution with respect to all issues arising out of his employment as President and CEO of LHSC,” read the statement. “LHSC regrets any confusion caused by its public statements about Dr. Woods and how those may have been interpreted.”
In Woods’ statement of claim from January 2021, he alleged that he had disclosed his family situation and travel plans with the former Chair of the LHSC Board of Directors. He also claimed statements made by LHSC regarding his termination were defamatory.
The LHSC fired back at the time stating the board was made aware of his “personal circumstances”, but claimed it received no advance of notice of travel from Woods, nor did it approve his travel outside Canada. The statement of defence from the hospital also argued that Woods’ harmed his own reputation due to his “poor judgement and hypocrisy.”
Thursday’s letter from LHSC went on to dispel its previous stance claiming Woods offered no notice to his travel stating he did inform the previous Board Chair. In addition, LHSC said Woods self-isolated for 14-days as required by public health measures in place at the time.
“LHSC terminated Dr. Woods’ employment on a without cause basis. His termination was not based on any concerns regarding his competence or skill as a hospital executive,” the statement continued. “LHSC and Dr. Woods are proud of the hospital’s response to the pandemic, which began under Dr. Woods’ leadership.”
The terms of the resolution have not been made public by either LHSC or Woods, who kept his part of the joint statement with LHSC brief.
“I am proud of the many accomplishments and advances that took place at LHSC under my leadership and pleased that its current leadership is continuing with many of these initiatives,” read Woods’ part of the release. “I wish its current CEO and leadership team continued success.”
The full statement can be read here.
