The future of the man in the top job at the Middlesex-London Health Unit remains up in the air, after a rare in-person board meeting on Thursday evening.
It's still not clear when or if Dr. Chris Mackie will resume his role as medical officer of health after he went on a leave of absence last November, despite his presence at the closed door meeting which lasted for more than three hours.
Mackie was seen publicly at the health unit's offices for the first time since last October, weeks before it was announced he was taking a leave from his role.
Mackie gave the media a small nod of acknowledgement as he was led into the health unit's boardroom by chair Matthew Reid.
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Less than an hour later, Mackie exited the meeting.
He told reporters he had a conversation with the board, but did not elaborate. When asked if he will be returning to the job, he said nothing.
"The board and I had a good conversation," said Mackie. "I look forward to discussing the contents if and when that becomes possible. Unfortunately, I can't say anything more at this time."
Mackie was accompanied at the meeting by lawyer Catherine Patterson. According to her online biography, her practice "encompasses most aspects of civil and administrative litigation.”
When asked if Mackie's work status had changed during the board meeting, Reid told reporters details relating to Mackie's employment with the health unit cannot be confirmed or denied at this time.
"We will let you know when and if there can be any statements released to you and any announcements of a public nature that flow from this meeting," said Reid.
The meeting concluded just before 9:30.
The agenda was unclear and broad. Health Unit staff told London News Today that the following items would be discussed:
- Personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees;
- Labour relations or employee negotiations;
- Litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board, and;
- Advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose;
Late last fall, the Middlesex-London Health Unit announced Mackie would be taking a leave from the job with no indications on when or if he would be returning, calling the matter a "personnel issue" and said they'd be offering no public comment.
Shortly after, LondonNewsToday.ca broke news regarding several serious allegations from former MLHU staffers accusing Mackie of creating a toxic work environment.
Mackie seemingly rejected the claims stating he has always been committed to his work and believes he always conducted himself in the "best possible way" to support both the health unit and its people.
According to the Sunshine List, Mackie made $414,926.68 in 2020. Neither the board nor health unit communications staff has said whether Mackie has been paid while away from the job.
Associate Medical Officer of Health Dr. Alex Summers remains as the health unit's acting medical officer, a position he has held since Mackie's leave began.
-With files from Craig Needles
