Morning Lookout: PeaceHealth chief put on leave

Good morning, Lookout Eugene-Springfield,

Today, Lookout celebrates its one-year anniversary! We’re excited. And we’re thankful for you, our readers, who have been along for the ride and so very supportive of our efforts.

On to the news:

PeaceHealth placed Jim McGovern, chief hospital executive at PeaceHealth Medical Center at RiverBend, on leave Thursday after allegations he worked outside of his administrative scope and tried to influence the emergency care of patients. Ashli Blow broke the news of this latest chapter in the PeaceHealth turmoil last night.

Dana Altman, the Ducks’ head men’s basketball coach, has to rebuild his roster almost from scratch for next season. That includes being more precise with his NIL money. Tyson Alger reports.

Oregon State Hospital was fined $3,177 for workplace safety violations after an unscheduled November inspection.

Bob Welch writes about the legacy of Sabai owner Tim Murff and one employee who thrived under Murff’s management. A celebration of life for Murff is Saturday.

In case you missed these stories published Thursday…
• 4J leaders admit forecasting mistakes, plan to use $16.4 million in one-time funds to plug gap
• Kotek signs group of bills protecting immigrants amid federal crackdown
• On average, Oregon’s gas prices fifth highest in U.S.

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Top PeaceHealth exec put on leave after patient care concerns

By Ashli Blow

A day after medical staff at RiverBend discussed email exchanges between Chief Hospital Executive Jim McGovern and physicians that contained exchanges over patient care, the administrator was placed on leave pending an investigation. The Medical Executive Committee at the hospital said it plans to file a complaint with the Oregon Medical Board about the interactions.