COLUMBUS – Mount Carmel Health System is firing 23 more employees and changing leadership after a doctor allegedly ordered excessive painkiller doses for dozens of patients who died.
Five weeks after Dr. William Husel (above) pleaded not guilty to murder charges in 25 deaths, Mount Carmel CEO Ed Lamb announced his plan to resign on July 25.
“I know that new leadership has the ability to facilitate healing and help restore trust in the organization,” Lamb said in a video statement.
Dr. Richard Streck, the hospital’s chief clinical officer, is retiring in September, Lamb said.
“This was a difficult decision, but one that is in the best interest of our organization, our colleagues and the people we serve,” Lamb wrote on the company’s website.
The newly fired employees include five physician, nursing and pharmacy management team members.
Nurses and pharmacists who administered or approved the drugs aren’t being prosecuted, though dozens were reported to professional boards for review. One employee remains on administrative leave and Lamb says 11 others will be allowed to return to work after they complete additional training and education. .
The company’s investigation has determined that 35 patients at its Grove City hospital were given excessive doses of painkillers on Husel’s orders.
Husel’s lawyer says Husel was providing comfort care to dying patients, not trying to kill them.