Santé Québec Parts Ways With VP Frédéric Abergel
Posted March 3, 2025 1:21 PM. Last Updated March 3, 2025 2:31 PM.
Frédéric Abergel, the Executive Vice-President of Operations and Transformation at Santé Québec, has been relieved of his duties after less than one year. Geneviève Biron, President and CEO of Santé Québec, made the announcement on Monday, citing the need for changes within the executive team to improve alignment with field operations.
"After a few months of operation, I have made certain observations...to bring it even closer to the field," Biron stated. She mentioned she is beginning to analyze candidates to fill Abergel’s position, emphasizing the importance of expertise relevant to the healthcare network.
Since its official launch on December 1, 2024, Santé Québec has attracted scrutiny, particularly over its plan to streamline healthcare services amid $1.5 billion planned cuts. Health Minister Christian Dubé clarified his position on the leadership change through the Bluesky platform, affirming it was a decision made by the autonomous Santé Québec, not the ministry.
"I have full confidence in the competence of the people who run the organization and sit on the Board of Directors," Dubé stated, adding, "This decision will bring management closer to operations and improve services to the population."
Biron will temporarily oversee Abergel's former responsibilities until a successor is appointed.
Abergel, who previously led the Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM) and CIUSS du Nord-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, was commended for his two decades of experience when he was appointed last April. The departure has raised eyebrows, especially alongside the significant operational challenges the agency faces as it seeks to implement the necessary financial reforms.
Biron’s internal memo emphasized the shift as part of broader adjustments aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness within the executive structure. She stated, "Those changes were approved by the Board of Directors and led to the departure of Frédéric Abergel."
Dubé affirmed the necessity of Abergel's previous duties, noting their relevance to achieving Santé Québec's ambitious objectives.
Despite these top-level changes, Santé Québec’s Director of Communications did not confirm if any specific event precipitated Abergel’s departure. He reiterated the organization’s commitment to enhancing its structure and collaboration with frontline healthcare institutions.
Frédéric Abergel’s exit within such a brief tenure after the agency's launch is significant and suggests underlying tensions within the healthcare transformation strategy currently underway. Observers note the new leadership dynamics could critically impact the execution of the healthcare reforms, which are intended to adapt to the province’s pressing health service demands.
With questions raised about governance and efficacy during this transition, the coming weeks will be pivotal for Santé Québec as it works to recalibrate its leadership framework and operational strategies to respond to the province's healthcare needs effectively without compromising service quality.