PeaceHealth RiverBend Medical Staff Holds Emergency Meeting, No-Confidence Vote Over ApolloMD Switch

Medical staff at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend in Springfield convened an emergency meeting Feb. 18–19 and held an informal no‑confidence action in executive leadership after PeaceHealth announced a switch to out‑of‑state contractor ApolloMD, staff and meeting accounts say. Forty-one medical professionals, 32 physicians and 9 physician assistants, told Lookout Eugene‑Springfield they “have not worked under a new out‑of‑state contractor for at least 90 days,” and medical staff described emergency‑department conditions as unsafe because of recent administrative decisions.

The move to ApolloMD was announced in an email from Oregon Chief Hospital Officer Jim McGovern on Feb. 3; registered nurse Chris Rompala said he was speaking with caregivers in RiverBend’s emergency department when the message arrived. Lookout obtained and authenticated two audio recordings of heated meetings between executive leadership and medical staff that were attended by nearly 70 clinicians, and the recordings captured the tensions that followed the announcement.

Eugene Emergency Physicians, which had staffed PeaceHealth emergency departments under a 35‑year partnership, issued an open letter expressing dismay at the contract nonrenewal. In the letter EEP wrote, “It was with great sadness that we learned that our contract would not be renewed,” and added, “We would wholeheartedly welcome a path forward with PeaceHealth that allows us to continue practicing here under a local banner and staffing all of their Oregon Emergency Departments.” EEP also said, “all 41 of us are committed to improving our hospitals, and we firmly believe in Oregonians serving Oregonians,” and described emergency medicine as “taxing and rewarding, in equal measure.”

PeaceHealth framed the change as “an investment in emergency care,” and in statements quoted by Lookout said it meets weekly with EEP leaders and has adopted many of EEP’s suggestions. PeaceHealth said, “EEP leaders have also been deeply engaged in planning for the upcoming RiverBend ED remodel, which will significantly increase patient capacity and improve flow. We look forward to construction beginning shortly.” The system also noted that the opening of the PeaceHealth Springfield Rehabilitation Hospital this fall will allow conversion of sixth‑floor rehabilitation space to increase medical bed capacity and reduce boarding and wait times.

Medical staff and EEP raise workforce and patient‑safety concerns tied to the staffing change and recent layoffs that have impacted clinical teams; the original reporting cites the Feb. 18–19 emergency meeting specifically as called to discuss those contract changes and layoffs. Several health care workers interviewed by Lookout spoke anonymously, citing fear of professional repercussions.

Key details remain unresolved in the public record: the precise start date and contract terms for ApolloMD staffing at RiverBend, the scope and timing of the layoffs referenced, and whether the 90‑day refusal by 41 clinicians constitutes a formal labor action. PeaceHealth’s comments on remodel timing and bed conversions and EEP’s offer to remain local frame the next phase of negotiations over staffing and capacity at RiverBend.