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Collins Leaves Hospital Authority

Posted on: Saturday, 1 April 2006, 12:00 CST

By Roselee Papandrea, The Daily News, Jacksonville, N.C.

Apr. 1--After serving almost six years on the Onslow County Hospital Authority, the board's former chairman decided it was time to move on.

Don Collins, Camp Lejeune's manpower director, resigned from the Hospital Authority Thursday via an e-mailed letter. He didn't attend the Hospital Authority meeting.

In his letter, Collins said his job duties have increased and "my physical body is tiring." He said his letter, which was sent Thursday morning, was "a bit of a cop-out."

"As I mentioned before, I get somewhat emotional saying goodbye to those I care about," the letter states. "I have grown to love (Onslow Memorial Hospital) and as a citizen of Onslow County am grateful for your existence."

Collins was one of nine hospital authority members appointed to the board in September 2000. He was placed on the authority after the Board of Commissioners removed all the hospital's former board members because the commissioners said they didn't adequately oversee the actions of former chief executive officer Doug Kramer.

Collins and current authority Chairman John Henderson were the last two original board members.

When Collins, who served as chairman for five years until September 2005, took the position, the authority was struggling financially. It was losing about $500,000 a month and attempting to recover from Kramer's alleged mismanagement, which led to a state audit of the authority in July 2000.

As a "fix-it" type of guy, Collins said Friday, he was capable of dealing with many of the problems the hospital faced in its past. But the authority, which now has its finances straightened out and is working on expanding the hospital's emergency room and surgical suite, is no longer struggling.

"If you ever want to pick a good time to leave an organization, now would be a good time for me because it is functioning very well," Collins said. "I feel like Mr. fix-it doesn't have a lot to fix right now. … We are on that high road to success now, and I think it's wonderful. It's a good time to leave the organization if you are going to leave."

Collins said he believes in giving 100 percent to everything he does, and he can no longer give that much time to the Hospital Authority.

"I feel bad about not being able to make the meetings when they are scheduled," Collins said. "I feel someone else out there can give more than I can. I have no animosity. I have enjoyed this board and have enjoyed these people."

Ed Piper, the chief executive officer of the Hospital Authority, said Friday that he was "saddened" by Collins' resignation.

"He was very instrumental and came at a critical time and provided leadership and support at a difficult time in the hospital's history," Piper said. "The community, hospital and staff have been well-served by his presence on the board."

Piper said he enjoyed working with Collins.

"He is a great advocate and supports the hospital and its employees," Piper said. "We'll surely miss him."

Contact staff writer Roselee Papandrea at rpapandrea@freedomenc.com or at 353-1171, Ext. 238.

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Copyright (c) 2006, The Daily News, Jacksonville, N.C.

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Source: The Daily News

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