The President

In 1994, the President of the Health Sciences Centre was the Chief Executive Officer of the HSC and was responsible for the proper management of all aspects of the hospital's activities. The President was appointed to his position by the board. The President's job description set out the following principal functions:

The President is responsible for developing and maintaining a suitable organization structure and employing competent executive staff. He assists and guides the Board of Directors in setting the strategic direction for the hospital and ensures that objectives are met. He is the principal trustee of the hospital's financial and physical resources.

The President sets the standards and principles which determine how the hospital is to conduct its affairs. He ensures that the hospital is in compliance with all relevant statutes and regulations and is the principal management contact for external agencies, organizations and companies. He is responsible for the development and maintenance of a sound image of the hospital in the general public. (Exhibit 375)

Although not a board member, the President attended all meetings of the hospital board, and was responsible for ensuring that the board was kept informed of matters that were within its purview. The hospital's vice-presidents and senior managers reported to the President. During 1994, the period when the 12 deaths under investigation occurred, the President of the HSC was Rod Thorfinnson. An experienced administrator, Thorfinnson was not a doctor.