Lord Reading Law Society receives Alex Patterson

Steven G. Slimovitch, Arnold J. Cohen, lawyers

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On March 18, Alex K. Patterson, O.C., O.Q., Q.C., gave a most interesting lecture to the Lord Reading Law Society, on the subject of the increasingly popular phenomenon of mergers.

Mr. Patterson with a somewhat warm glow in his voice, explained to the audience that he feels like he is returning home to the Lord Reading Law Society. He began his discussion referring to the merger of Loyola College and Sir George Williams University. He then moved on to a discussion of the mergers of law firms.

Mr. Patterson explained that in order to have a successful law firm merger, all the following must be present: (a) both parties must be financially viable; (b) the merger must increase the total amount of business; (c) both parties must make sure that the chemistry between the two of them is good; (d) both parties must be careful to make sure that the income of the partners with the same experience is roughly equal; and what is often a deal breaker, (e) both parties must agree on a name.

Following the merger, as soon as possible, staff must be brought on side. Everyone must begin to view the group as "we" rather than "they". A check for conflicts between clients must also be made, and finally there must be sufficient space for everyone to work comfortably.

Moving onto hospital mergers, Mr. Patterson specifically adressed the new Montreal mega-hospital. He explained that extensive negotiations as well as consultations had taken place which resulted in the conclusion, that Montreal simply could not continue with four separate institutions. Among other problems, the costs were impossible to support and many of the buildings were too old to modify.

Given that home treatment is increasing in importance, along with the C.L.S.C. system, the new mega-hospital is the only viable solution for Montreal for the 21st century. Mr. Patterson was clear to point out that the new hospital will not be a super-hospital, but rather many pavilions each dealing with a particular problem. The new hospital will have approximately 600 to 700 beds, and will be based on the philosophy of looking after all of a patient's needs from cradle to grave.

A subject of interest to many in the audience was the role of the Jewish General Hospital in this new system for delivery of medical services, Mr. Patterson explained that the Jewish General Hospital with its pairing with McGill University, will offer a strong teaching hospital, on a different site from the mega-hospital, for another community, and with ample space to expand. He explained that McGill is seen as the link between the Jewish General Hospital and the new mega-hospital. Cross-appointments (between the Jewish General Hospital and the new mega-hospital) will be very important and it will be crucial that doctors go through both hospital systems in order for their training to be truly complete and for them to understand what is available to their patients.

Once all of these procedures are put in place, Mr. Patterson feels that Montreal will then be able to attract the best doctors in the world, and McGill will then become one of the top 5 to 10 medical schools in the world. Furthermore increased research will follow, and of course the biomedical industry will also flourish and expand.

On a general note, Mr. Patterson explained that a positive approach is central, and that negativism has been creeping into our community at an alarming rate and is most destructive. He feels that Montreal will once again to be on top heading into the new millennium.

Former Chief Justice of the Superior Court, the Honourable Lawrence Poitras, warmly thanked Mr. Patterson, who, in the words of Justice Poitras, both entertained and raised our hopes for the future.

 

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