Incidentcase10

Whittey is the second-known person to leave Mt Carmel amid an investigation into the ordering of “excessive and potentially fatal” doses of painkillers for patients. The hospital fired doctor William Husel in December, saying he ordered the medication for at least 34 patients. Many of those patients died after being administered the drugs.

Earlier this week, Whittey was named in a wrongful death lawsuit against the health system from the family of Melissa Penix, who died Nov. 20, 2018 after receiving 2,000 micrograms of fentanyl. The lawsuit alleges “Whittey was aware of inappropriate and unsafe prescribing, approving, and administrating of Fentanyl” and says she “failed to take action to prevent such inappropriate Fentanyl use from reoccurring.”

“Only after Melissa Penix’s life was terminated, did Mount Carmel take any steps to prevent Dr. Husel’s actions from harming any further patients,” the lawsuit states. The lawsuit also names Mount Carmel Health System, doctor William Husel, pharmacist Gregory White, and nurse Wesley Black.

A Mount Carmel spokeswoman declined to comment on Whittey’s status, including whether she resigned or was fired. Mount Carmel has placed at least 23 employees on leave while it investigates dosing practices.