Mr. Woodin was a highly visible and well-liked leader at the hospital, which is owned by Boston-based Partners HealthCare. When he was asked by the board to resign in early July, he refused. Two days later, he was terminated.
The tight-knit community of Martha’s Vineyard is home to many aging seniors with growing health needs, making hospital leadership very important to them. Residents expressed dismay with the hospital board’s refusal to provide a reason for the firing beyond differences of vision.
“This is small-town America — everybody knows everybody’s business,” said Arnie Reisman, a local resident. “This is the one organization that’s a life and death organization, it’s your healthcare. For them to act in the dark really drives me crazy.”
Mr. Woodin’s open communication style and personal touch have led many in the community to rally around him and voice their concerns on Facebook and at local meetings, though the board has stood its ground and defended its decision. However, board members have acknowledged that they could have done a better job of engaging with the community when making their announcement.
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