NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — “Fraud, wasteful spending, and policy violations” are words being used in connection with an audit of Nashville General Hospital.
Almost immediately after the report was published, the longtime CEO of the hospital resigned. Now, the question remains: what’s in store for the future?
In the 21-page report, details of what’s been happening behind hospital doors were revealed, bringing to light allegations of fraud, wasteful spending, and policy violations, all happening at the executive level.
“Thank you for all you’ve done, and I appreciate you. I wish you the best in the future, and for me, this is still another phase of my career,” Dr. Joseph Webb said in a video on his Facebook page, announcing his resignation and reflecting on his years in leadership.
Shortly after the internal audit into Nashville General Hospital, Webb shared he was leaving. The decision left many questions swirling about what is next for the hospital.
“How do we create the best possible future for Nashville General Hospital?” Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell asked as he addressed the situation to the media during a press conference on Friday, Feb. 28.
The audit detailed several allegations, including how the hospital overpaid its valet service company by more than $200,000.
In another section, the audit found a doctor who did not work for the hospital or contracted with the hospital was allowed to set up an office, use staff and supplies, and bill patients privately, all while never paying anything to the hospital itself.
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“From the day I took office, I knew a better Nashville General Hospital was possible, and I remain committed to forging a path to create one. We’ll be inviting a number of key stakeholders into a process that’s already well-modeled to walk that path together,” said O’Connell.
As the mayor remains hopeful, he also addressed the future of Meharry Medical College, one of only a handful of historically Black medical schools in the U.S. Nashville General Hospital serves as the teaching hospital for Meharry students. It’s an active partnership that has been in place for nearly 30 years.
“After taking office, we learned more about the stark consequences of the lack of a professional services agreement between Nashville General Hospital and Meharry Medical College, and a key step toward that brighter future includes the execution of a successful PSA with Meharry as part of a renewed and restored partnership,” O’Connell said.
O’Connell also discussed plans for the future to find out who will fill the CEO position. Right now, it’s unclear how soon Nashville General Hospital will find a replacement.
