Police pledge ‘thorough investigation’ of patient deaths

FILE - In this Jan. 15, 2019 file photo, the main entrance to Mount Carmel West Hospital is shown in Columbus, Ohio. The Ohio hospital system investigating a doctor accused of ordering painkiller overdoses for dozens of patients says five who died may have received excessive doses when there still was a chance to improve their conditions with treatment. The Columbus-area Mount Carmel Health System said Friday, Feb. 22 it's notifying those patients' families. (AP Photo/Andrew Welsh Huggins, File)

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Law enforcement authorities are pledging a thorough investigation into allegations against an intensive-care doctor accused of ordering painkiller overdoses for dozens of Ohio hospital patients.

At issue are accusations against William Husel (HYOO’-suhl), a doctor fired by the Columbus-area Mount Carmel Health System in December.

The hospital found he ordered potentially fatal doses for 29 patients and doses for six more patients that were excessive but not likely what caused their deaths.

Police and prosecutors said Thursday they are investigating the 29 deaths, with dozens of interviews to be conducted.

A message was left with an attorney representing Husel.

Mount Carmel has apologized , put 23 other employees on leave and says it changed its medication protocols to prevent similar situations.

The Associated Press