Southcoast Health’s president takes leave of absence after being arrested for assault and battery

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Rochester Police Chief, Robert Small, confirmed with Boston 25 that Southcoast Hospital Group’s President, Keith Hovan was arrested for a single charge of domestic assault and battery on Nov. 6.

Southcoast Health’s Board of Trustees issued the following statement on Nov. 9 to all employees stating: “an incident took place at the home of President & CEO Keith A. Hovan and President Hovan immediately made the Board aware the following morning. The Board met on several occasions to review the details as they became available and discussed next steps.”

The Board continued saying they will be respecting the privacy of the Hovan family and “has the full support of the Board as they deal with this personal family matter.”

It was announced Friday that Hovan has taken a leave of absence.

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 comments 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 Board of Trustees

Hovan’s next court date will be Nov. 24.

Hovan was appointed President and CEO of Southcoast Hospitals Group, in July 2008 and in July 2011 as President and CEO of Southcoast Health System.

Previously, Hovan served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Danbury Health System.

Southcoast Health is a not-for-profit, community-based health system with multiple access points, offering an integrated continuum of health services throughout southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

The hospital’s group is comprised of Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, MA, St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford, MA, and Tobey Hospital in Wareham, MA.

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