A few days after bringing aboard two brand new ambulances donated by the Oak Valley Foundation, Oak Valley Hospital Emergency Services Director Ray Leverett was placed on administrative leave by Hospital CEO John McCormick.

At the Feb 27 board meeting, Oak Valley President Saundra Sward and Vice President Lana Casey presented a check for $128,322.93 to cover the two Ford F-350 ambulances that were delivered to the hospital in January.

According to McCormick’s assistant, Melissa Tozzi, McCormick was unavailable for comment on the issue until Friday, March 15.

Oak Valley Hospital Board of Directors President Dan Cummins confirmed Leverett was placed on administrative leave on Tuesday, March 6 for a “personnel matter.” Cummins said hospital policy prohibits him from discussing the cause, but added it was not for any illegal act.

“This has nothing to do with being a cost cutting matter, it’s just a personnel issue,” said Cummins when asked if the leave had to do with the hospital’s examination of budgetary issues. “It’s not anything to do with criminal or civil.”

The move comes after the hospital voted to cut its maternity services and close two of its outside clinics. There has also been recent shake up within the hospital administration with HR Director Kim Bukhari removed last year and the unscheduled retirements of Safety Director Steve Mahaney and Physical Therapy Director Don Brock.

Leverett has been on the Oak Valley staff for several years, serving as purchasing manager and director of emergency services.

Casey said she was surprised when she learned of the action during a meeting regarding the foundation with directors Jim Teter and Louise Sanders. Casey inquired about getting a picture of Leverett with the new ambulances.

“Ray has been publicly recognized by the foundation,” said Casey.

According to Cummins, in Leverett’s absence a senior purchasing clerk will oversee the purchasing department and a senior medic will monitor the hospital’s ambulance services.