BALTIMORE — The president of a hospital that gave patients hundreds of suspect HIV and hepatitis C test results has resigned, along with two doctors who managed the hospital’s laboratory, the University of Maryland Medical System announced yesterday.
The resignation of Timothy D. Miller, president of Maryland General Hospital, comes as the hospital struggles to improve a laboratory that has been riddled with problems.
More than 400 patients might have received incorrect test results during a 14-month period ending in August.
The hospital also announced that Dr. John Braun will replace Dr. Philip Whelan, who resigned yesterday as the hospital’s department of pathology and lab director. James Stewart, administrative director of the laboratory, also has resigned.
“Based on our own review and those conducted by regulatory agencies, it is evident that there were significant problems related to the operation and management of Maryland General Hospital’s laboratory,” said Edmond Notebaert, president of the University of Maryland Medical System.
The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations have found shortcomings in lab operations.
Reviews were prompted by concerns about validity tests on a piece of lab equipment from June 2002 to August 2003.
Mr. Miller said he thinks the hospital’s medical staff has worked diligently in recent weeks to address the issues in the lab.
“I firmly believe, however, that my resignation is necessary in order to help the hospital move forward in restoring the full faith and confidence of the entire community in the institution,” he said.
Mr. Miller, who has been president and chief executive officer of the hospital since 2001, came to Maryland General in 1985 after working 12 years as an administrator at what was then called Prince George’s General Hospital and Medical Center.
Dr. Braun, who is stepping in for Dr. Whelan to direct the lab, has been at the hospital since 1996, most recently as an associate pathologist.
The hospital is working with PCS Laboratory Solutions — a leading national professional services firm with expertise in laboratory management and operations — to work with Dr. Braun in providing daily management of the lab and to review its operations.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.