DONALDSONVILLE — The West Ascension Hospital responded to recent statements made regarding its former CEO's payment on Monday. 

According to former CEO Vince Cataldo, he received an $80,000 check in the mail for "accrued vacation time" in 2024 after stepping away from the Prevost Hospital in 2023. 

An auditor's report later revealed the hospital district could not provide documentation supporting why Cataldo received that payment or who approved it. According to policy, the maximum payout should have been $8,940, suggesting he was overpaid by more than $71,000.

On Monday, the West Ascension Hospital announced that current hospital leadership is working to gather and review records and documentation associated with the payment, including circumstances surrounding its authorization. 

“We are in full transparency mode as we work to uncover and review all of the information pertaining to the payment of these funds to Mr. Cataldo,” said Shelton Anthony, CEO of West Ascension Hospital. “Our responsibility is to ensure that the facts are thoroughly reviewed and that our community receives accurate information regarding this matter.”