Moncton doctors pressure hospital over suspension

Doctors at Moncton's Georges-L. Dumont Regional Hospital are planning to implement a series of pressure tactics in protest to a suspension of on their colleagues.

A group of the hospital's doctors met Thursday night to discuss what they could do to support Dr. Richard Garceau, a microbiologist and an infectious disease specialist, who was suspended indefinitely a month ago.

Dr. Gabriel Girouard said the doctors are upset over the suspension and they argue the proper measures were not followed to suspend their colleague.

He said the doctors will start taking steps over the next few days.

"We decided many, many things but they will be implemented day by day," he said.

"But we're not talking about diminishing care to patients. We're talking about administrative strategies and they will be implemented if we don't have resolution of this conflict."

Girouard said the tactics may include petitions and public protests.

Officials at the Vitalité Health Network said the physician's suspension is a personnel matter and they wouldn't comment.

Before the private meeting, Garceau's colleagues held a news conference on Thursday to say Garceau is being unfairly treated.

Criticized management

Dr. Leo Picard, a former chief of staff at the hospital, said at the news conference that Garceau was one of several doctors who spoke out in May against the way the health authority was managed.

According to minutes from a meeting, Garceau said doctors were frustrated with the Moncton hospital and accused management of mismanaging the hospital.

Garceau also spoke out in April 2009 saying that New Brunswick was not prepared for a swine flu pandemic.

In an interview at the time, Garceau said his microbiology laboratory won't be able to handle an increased caseload if there was a full-blown pandemic. He also criticized the health department for not properly planning for a potential pandemic.

Andree Robichaud, the chief executive officer of the health network, said Garceau's suspension has nothing to do with his public comments.