Columbus, Ohio-based Mount Carmel Health System is firing 23 employees, effective July 11, in connection to dozens of patient deaths between 2015 and 2018. Mount Carmel CEO Ed Lamb will also step down later this month, according to a statement on the health system's website.
The announcement comes after a monthslong investigation into William Husel, DO, a former Mount Carmel physician who allegedly ordered fatal painkiller doses for 35 intensive care patients. Dr. Husel has been charged in the deaths of 25 of these patients.
During the investigation, Mount Carmel placed 30 employees on administrative leave. On July 11, Mr. Lamb said the system would terminate the employment of 23 team members, including five physician, nurse and pharmacy leaders. One employee will remain on administrative leave, and 11 others must complete additional training before returning to work.
Mr. Lamb will resign from his CEO post July 25. Livonia, Mich.-based Trinity Health, which owns Mount Carmel, will appoint an interim CEO.
"This was a difficult decision, but one that is in the best interest of our organization, our colleagues and the people we serve," Mr. Lamb said of his departure. "Mount Carmel has a strong leadership team in place to support the interim CEO, and I am confident our dedicated colleagues will serve our community well."
Mount Carmel's executive vice president and chief clinical officer will also retire at the end of September.
To view Mount Carmel's full statement, click here.
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