Nashville General CEO Joseph Webb resigns
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Nashville General Hospital CEO Joseph Webb submitted his resignation Thursday just hours before the Hospital Authority board was set to vote on renewing his contract.
Why it matters: Webb's departure creates an opening at the helm of the city-owned safety net hospital, which specializes in care for poor patients who can't afford to pay. The hospital also serves as a teaching facility for Meharry Medical College.
State of play: A Hospital Authority committee charged with assessing Webb's job performance earlier this week recommended against renewing Webb's contract, indicating his days were numbered.
- Committee members questioned whether Webb was the right leader to spearhead the push for a new hospital facility.
- The full board was scheduled to vote on the matter Thursday afternoon.
Between the lines: A scathing financial audit released yesterday uncovered millions of dollars in hospital contracts that were never approved by the board of directors.
What he's saying: Webb told the board he'll stay on until March 14. He touted his accomplishments over the last 10 years, including creating a food pharmacy to address nutrition needs.
- "Serving this hospital has truly been a pleasure and I extend my highest compliments to the team of employees who have worked with me, over my 10-year tenure, to extend excellent healthcare to the Nashville Davidson County community," Webb said in his resignation letter.
What's next: The hospital board must appoint an interim CEO and begin the search for a full-time leader. Mayor Freddie O'Connell said in a statement Thursday he would participate in the search.
- O'Connell renewed his call for General Hospital to reach a deal on a professional services agreement with Meharry.
- "From there, we can pursue a process to conduct a thorough review of what is needed to provide quality health care for our community through our safety net hospital for generations to come," O'Connell said.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional information.