Mevold's resignation came after a board meeting where employee representatives, including Cecilie Lunden Gundersen, said they had lost confidence in her due to the Helsetilsynet report and cooperation problems. Board chair Herlof Nilssen initially stated he had full confidence in Mevold and did not want her position discussed, but later said a majority wanted to keep her. Nilssen considered his own position but was confirmed to continue as board chair by Helse Sør-Øst. Agderposten criticized Nilssen's unilateral protection of Mevold.
The Helsetilsynet report concluded that the hospital's management is irresponsible and has endangered patients. The hospital has implemented several measures following the report, but some are not yet in effect. Helsetilsynet has requested a new feedback report by September 10 to assess the need for further follow-up.
I believe the confidence in the director is something we must discuss together and reach a conclusion on.
Torhild Einstabland has been appointed as interim CEO, and a recruitment process for a permanent CEO has started. Mevold left immediately and will receive 2.6 million NOK in severance pay. The board held an extraordinary meeting on the day of the report to appoint the interim CEO.
It is about reputation, it is about all the criticism from the Norwegian Board of Health Supervision that we strongly recognize, and it is about cooperation problems.
I do not think all problems will be solved, but we must hope we can get a director who can come from outside with a fresh perspective and desire for cooperation.