PROVIDENCE – A doctor who has been working part-time at the hospital system for just over a year will serve as interim chief medical officer of Eleanor Slater Hospital, which includes Burrillville’s Zambarano unit
Suzanne Bornschein was named to the position today by Director of the Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals Richard Charest.
The announcement follows news earlier this week that BHDDH’s chief financial officer, Jennifer White, has been placed on administrative leave, and former Chief Medical Officer Brian Daly has resigned effective July 31.
The hospital system, which also has units in Cranston, has made headlines regularly over the past year over various controversies – including billing processes, maintenance and future plans for the Burrillville facility. Charest just recently replace BHDDH head Kathryn Power, who resigned in April, and state lawmakers have held several hearings on the ongoing issues.
In June, the national accreditation organization Quality Check issued a preliminary denial to Eleanor Slater over questions regarding leadership and patient care. The agency found that conditions at the hospitals, “pose a serious threat to public or patient health and safety.”
The accreditation is needed in order for the provider to be reimbursed for Medicare and Medicaid services.
Bornschein, who specializes in internal medicine, has been working part-time at Eleanor Slater and caring for patients there since April of 2020, according to a release from the agency. She reportedly began her transition into the interim role on July 1, and has agreed to take on these added responsibilities for up to two months. During that time, she is also expected to assist in the recruitment of a permanent chief medical officer.
“She brings a great deal of knowledge to this role, including her own observations of Eleanor Slater Hospital,” said Charest. “Dr. Bornschein understands how to ensure that the hospital is meeting the needs of its patients and the State of Rhode Island.”
Bornschein graduated from the University of Miami School of Medicine and has held numerous clinical and academic positions, including medical director of the athletic training program at Bridgewater State University, in addition to her work at Eleanor Slater. She is also a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, a designation that recognizes contributions to the practice of internal medicine.
