The CEO of Mount Carmel Health System announced his resignation following an internal investigation into a physician charged with murder in the deaths of dozens of hospitalized patients by ordering fatal doses of painkillers.
Ed Lamb—who has led the Ohio health system that is part of Trinity Health since 2016—will step down July 25, he said in a statement posted online (PDF).
Lamb also said 23 colleagues at the hospital, including five physicians, would be terminated from their roles. The move comes following an examination of the roles of those involved in the medication administration for the affected patients. He also said 11 employees would be allowed to return to work after completing additional training and education.
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"While the changes implemented throughout our system already are significant, I am personally compelled to do all that I can to move Mount Carmel beyond this tragedy," 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."
Court case
Lamb said the hospital is seeking to reach settlements.
"We are deeply sorry for the additional grief and frustration this has caused and are working to provide reasonable settlements with affected families. If that cannot be accomplished, we will work through the court process," he said in the statement. "While we will continue to be forthcoming on changes we make to our system to strengthen patient safety and quality of care, we will not be able to comment on the legal cases except through the legal forum."