The interim supervisor for the Niagara Health System speaking out for the first time since making a controversial decision selecting Niagara Falls over Welland as the location of a new south Niagara hospital.

Speaking to 610 CKTB's Tim Denis this morning, Doctor Kevin Smith once again pointing out the mayors in the southern tier picked two possible locations and he simply selected one.

Smith noting he also agreed to their request for two urgent care centres, but his only proviso was they not be placed in any existing hospital buildings because of their age.

Several of the south Niagara mayors after hearing Niagara Falls was the chosen sight cried foul, with Doctor Smith then warning too much dissension could put the entire project in jeopardy.

He says despite the dissent , the only mayor to contact him and ask for clarification was Pelham Mayor Dave Augustyn.

Smith adds he does plan to meet with the south Niagara mayors both separately and as a group.