James McGovern

PeaceHealth Chief Hospital Executive Dr. James McGovern has been placed on administrative leave.

An internal communication sent by Richard DeCarlo, executive vice president and chief operating officer, said, “PeaceHealth recently received information from the Riverbend Medical Executive committee highlighting concerns relating to the scope of Dr. Jim McGovern’s administrative functions.”

The letter said that, in accordance with standard practices, McGovern is on administrative leave pending a full review.

During McGovern’s leave, Heather Wall will serve as interim chief executive for PeaceHealth’s Oregon region. Lana Sherwin will lead at the Cottage Grove Community Medical Center. Ruth Franke will lead at Peace Harbor Medical Center in Florence.

“We are proceeding with our plans for the transition to Lane Emergency Physicians this summer to ensure we continue providing uninterrupted, high-quality care for the residents of Lane County,” the email said.

PeaceHealth is undergoing staffing changes in its Lane County emergency departments. The changes have led to a lawsuit from Eugene Emergency Physicians alleging the transaction does not comply with Oregon law prohibiting the corporate practice of medicine and would harm the community.

EEP issued a statement relating to discussions at a medical staff meeting held April 8 that included the topic.

"We can’t comment on internal communications or any individual patient situations. What we can say is that our physicians have been doing and continue to do what is safest and most appropriate for our patients based on our clinical judgment," EEP's statement said.

"We follow the standard of care, we advocate for our patients, and we will not participate in practices that are unsafe, inappropriate, or outside the law. Our commitment is to our patients and our community."