LEWISTON — The president of Bridgton and Rumford hospitals — one of the last senior leaders left from Central Maine Healthcare’s previous administration — has resigned.
R. David Frum has served as head of Bridgton Hospital since 2010. He was named head of Rumford Hospital in 2011.
Frum resigned Wednesday, according to a Central Maine Healthcare statement.
Frum’s resignation comes amid turmoil for the hospitals and Central Maine Healthcare, their parent organization. Medical staff at Bridgton and Rumford both voted no confidence in Central Maine Healthcare CEO Jeff Brickman in the past two weeks. Medical staff at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston voted no confidence Monday
On Tuesday, Central Maine Healthcare’s board voted to keep Brickman, saying it supports him and his plans for the hospital system.
Frum resigned a day later.
A Central Maine Healthcare spokeswoman said Frum “shared his belief that it was time for new leadership to carry things forward.”
It is unclear when Frum will leave or who will take over. The hospital system is working on those details.
Frum could not be reached for comment Friday.
Brickman, named CEO two years ago, has made no secret of the system’s financial problems or of the need to make changes.
Staffers throughout Central Maine Healthcare have said they recognize the need for change and to save money, but they dislike Brickman’s management style — which they consider harsh — and they are concerned about ongoing financial problems and cuts in services.
After the Rumford vote, one doctor said the staff’s no-confidence vote did not extend to Frum. The doctor said staffers do not believe Frum is to blame for changes and challenges facing the hospitals and they appreciate his leadership.
Frum is not the only administrator to resign.
Stacy Goldsholl, chief physician executive, submitted her resignation prior to Tuesday’s board meeting.
A statement released by Central Maine Healthcare said Goldsholl will return to North Carolina, where her family is established.
“We are grateful to both David Frum and Dr. Goldsholl for their service to CMH and wish them the best in their future pursuits,” the statement said.
Hospital system spokeswoman Kate Carlisle said Goldsholl did not share any reasons for her resignation.
Goldsholl did not return a request for comment Friday.
Carlisle said Central Maine Healthcare is moving quickly to recruit Goldsholl’s replacement.
R. David Frum (Photo courtesy Central Maine Healthcare)
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