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April 8th, 2013 
THE ex-chairman of the company that operates the troubled Peel Health Campus has rejected “a slur” by West Australian Health Minister Kim Hames that he interfered in the running of the hospital.
Dr Hames revealed on Monday that stock exchange-listed Ramsay Health Care was set to take over the operation of the public hospital from Health Solutions WA – before Ramsay told the market.
Dr Hames also criticised Jon Fogarty, the former chairman of Health Solutions WA, saying he constantly interfered with the running of the hospital, causing several managers to leave.
The hospital is the subject of an independent inquiry into claims doctors were paid incentives to admit patients to the facility.
“I think taking away the interference that he has will let the system operate much more efficiently and effectively,” Dr Hames told ABC radio.
But Mr Fogarty said it was disappointing that news of “a great development for the people of Peel … has been given a negative slant with a slur on me”.
“I have lived in Singapore for the past four years and have not interfered with hospital management in any meaningful way,” he said.
“I rightly became involved in the oversight of the performance of senior management and dealing with failures or issues which nobody else in the organisation could resolve.”
Ramsay said it expected to finalise the deal with Health Solutions WA, subject to state government approvals, by the end of May.
Ramsay also said it was committed to expanding the hospital.
Meanwhile, WA Labor leader Mark McGowan said it was “a bit rich” for Dr Hames to be critical of Mr Fogarty, given the Liberal party was previously “close” to Health Solutions WA.
A report stemming from the inquiry into the hospital was recently handed to the state government, and will be reviewed by the Public Sector Commission and cabinet before being tabled in parliament.
Mr McGowan says it should be released as soon as possible.
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