PROVIDENCE – Dr. Katharine Woods is the latest addition to a running list of doctors who have resigned as chief medical officer of the state-run Eleanor Slater Hospital.
On Dec. 1 Woods submitted her letter of resignation to Louis Cerbo, acting director of the R.I. Department of Behavioral Health, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals which oversees the hospital.
In her letter to Cerbo, Woods wrote “After our discussions, it is clear that this is not a mutual best fit for myself or the organization for the long run, as sad as it will be to leave the coworkers and staff with whom I work most closely everyday and as much as I remain dedicated to healthcare provided for the public good,” according to a WPRI-TV CBS 12 report.
Additionally, in a letter obtained by Providence Business News that Woods sent to BHDDH staff Dec. 15 she wrote “I will be moving forward with exploring new opportunities for myself in 2024."
In her letters Woods also pointed out several of the hospital's recent accomplishments including boosting staff, earning Joint Commission accreditation, separating two state hospitals and expanding collaborations with the community and education profile.
Woods also celebrated that the hospital will continue with Electronic Medical Records, a new building at the Zambarano campus and remodeling of the Regan building in 2024.
“It has been a pleasure to help the department develop new initiatives and strengthen the hospital’s identity as a safe, reliable place for all Rhode Islanders,” Woods wrote to staff members.
Randal Edgar, spokesperson for BHDDH, told PBN that Dr. Sue Ferranti will serve as interim chief medical officer. In the meantime Edgar said the state agency is conducting a national search and hopes to fill the position by 2024. So far, interviews three CMO candidates have been scheduled and more will be reviewed as needed, Edgar said.
Woods’ departure is just one of several leadership changes the state-run psychiatric hospital has faced. In July 2021, Dr. Brian Daly stepped down as chief medical officer in the midst of controversy. On July 31, 2021, Daly had submitted a 16-page letter disputing the conclusions of a report commissioned by R.I. Office of Health and Human Services' which stated that the hospital was poorly run. Daly wrote the report's authors were biased and that it included "overt falsehoods."
Dr. Elinore F. McCance-Katz then stepped in to lead the psychiatric hospital in September 2021 before abruptly resigning in July 2022, citing the desire to spend more time with family as one of the reasons for her departure.
Along with these resignations, PBN has previously reported that Eleanor Slater has also faced financial difficulties in recent years including issues with improper billing practices as well as complaints from unions about the hospital’s volatile work environment.
According to WPRI, Woods' last day will be Jan. 5.
Woods concluded her Dec. 15 letter to staff members expressing optimism and gratitude for their support.
"I am truly thankful for your support and look forward to continuing our great work of seeking the best for those most vulnerable amongst us in a new capacity," Woods wrote.
Katie Castellani is a PBN staff writer. You may contact her at Castellani@PBN.com.
