Southcoast CEO Keith Hovan taking a leave of absence following arrest

Rochester, Mass. (WLNE)- Southcoast Health CEO Keith Hovan will be taking a leave of absence effective immediately. The decision comes after he was charged with domestic assault and battery.

In a statement to the Southcoast Health community from both the Board of Trustees and Keith Hovan that was shared with ABC6 News, Keith Hovan said,

“Dear Southcoast Health Community,

These past few days have been difficult for you and all the people whom I love and care
about. The allegation has caused an unfair distraction to you all. For that reason, effective
immediately, I am taking a leave of absence from my role as President and CEO of
Southcoast.

As we continue to address the greatest public health crisis of our lifetimes, Southcoast
Health deserves a leader unencumbered by current personal matters to run what I believe
to be the most exceptional health care system in the state.

There is nothing more important to me than my family. Please know that the pride, gratitude
and awe I feel in leading such an incredible group of dedicated and talented employees is a
very close second.”

The Board of Trustees shared their own statement saying,

“Dear Southcoast Health Community,

These past few days have been difficult, and we deeply appreciate your continued focus on
our patients and our mission.

President & CEO Keith A. Hovan will take a leave of absence effective immediately. We will
continue to refrain from comment while the matter is adjudicated.

During this leave Dr. Rayford Kruger, our Chief Physician Executive for the Southcoast
Physicians Group, will lead Southcoast Health. I know you will join us in offering him your full
support.

Nothing is more important than our patients, our community, our physicians and our staff.

We are still living through a global public health emergency, and we must all remain
singularly focused on delivering the exceptional care that is our bond with our community.

Sincerely,

Southcoast Health System Board of Trustees”

Southcoast Health System includes Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford and Tobey Hospital in Wareham.  The health system has a physician network and offers health services across Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts.