Last week, we presented the results of the audit commissioned by the new Board of Trustees of Hospital San Juan Bautista Foundation, which had the mission to evaluate the process involved in the sale of real estate assets during the period 2009-10. The report states that in those two years, five properties were sold 29,2% below the market price.
The resulting report shows that there were some actions taken by the Board at that time that could be considered as improper management. The audit notes that the sale of the abovementioned five properties did not follow the recommended procedure (not compulsory): detailed real estate valuation showing real market price, and a public information process to ascertain if there were other offers. The document allows us to conclude that extension and refurbishment works were not carried with all the due caution that are customary in such operations, provoking an undue pressure on liquid assets forcing the sale of assets circumventing due process.
Now it’s the turn for the Foundations Protectorate of Catalonia. This organization received the result of the report and must determine whether such action will generate economic damages to the Hospital.
Unfortunately, the audit confirms our suspicions, provoking a drastic change in the management of the Foundation eight months ago, with the sole purpose of safeguarding the interests of the Hospital (that are very dear assets belonging to the town of Sitges.) And I say unfortunately because I wish our predictions were wrong. The audit takes a snapshot that reveals that the performance of Presidency, Management and Representatives lacked the accuracy and exactitude required by such operations.
During all the process, the actions executed by the City Hall that I preside sought, above all, the protection of the interests of the Hospital, from the economic and managerial standpoint. When we renewed the Board of Trustees, we were deeply committed with a transparent management. The Hospital is indeed a private institution, but involves the City Council (the Mayor is the President), and this is a sufficient reason to demand transparent and rigorous management and equal opportunities in all processes. The value and symbolism that the Hospital has for Sitges accentuates the need for scrupulous, strict and transparent management.
The completion of the audit and the follow up by the Catalan Government was the first step. But it is not the only one. With the arrival of the new members composing the Board of Trustees, now headed by Fernando Herráiz, we are revising recruitment, suppliers, income from residents and management of real estate assets. The new line of management is a guarantee for the full recovery of the collective confidence in an institution for which we have always been proud of.
