It may take more than extra money to fix the Cree Health Board, according to some of its employees. They say the Health Board’s largely non-Native middle management has a “backwards” mentality, wastes a lot of money and is very resistant to change.
When James Bobbish took over as the board’s executive director in 1992, he had to make many reforms, including reeling in a large deficit, getting rid of problem staff and taming an out-of-control administration.
“Some policies hadn’t been approved by the board, but were made by the administration for the benefit of the administration,” said one employee. “The privileges of the managers had to be restricted.”
But some of the old ways remain, said another employee. Money is wasted on patient and staff travel because of poor planning and abuses, he said: “Staff find an excuse to travel.” Other complaints: staff housing “is in despicable condition”; some non-Native managers are “prejudiced” against Crees; and “everything is very disorganized.” Employees were optimistic that the assembly will lead to reforms, so long as a proper follow-up is done.
