An Important Update from Michael Mewhirter, Interim CEO; and Celeste Ryan Blyden, Board Chair

Updated April 14, 2023

Kettering Health Family,

Recently, we shared a statement with you regarding allegations of “inappropriate fiscal and operational management” in our organization. Our goal was to inform you that we have been working through a comprehensive process to address these issues through changes in personnel, policy, and practices.

We are keenly aware that media headlines centered on this process have created anxiety and concern for everyone who cares deeply about this organization and that there is a desire for more detail and further transparency. To that end, over the last several weeks, we have engaged with many of you – physicians, board members, and through employee town halls – to hear your concerns firsthand and provide as much clarity as possible.

To reiterate what we have shared in these meetings:

• There has been no misconduct uncovered that impacted operations on our 15 medical center campuses, more than 150 care sites, or in any of our four hospital foundations;
• The alleged misconduct is isolated to a few and not reflective of the many board members, physicians, leaders, and employees who have and continue to serve our organization with excellence and dedication;
• The alleged misconduct has not impacted the investment we have made in our teams or our ability to provide the resources you need to do your job.

We want you to know that the feedback you have shared matters and it has fostered productive conversations. We are deeply focused on continually earning your trust by acting with integrity and communicating with transparency.

Updated March 31, 2023

Kettering Health Family,

On Friday, March 24, a local news station aired a story alleging inappropriate fiscal and operational management at Kettering Health. We are–and have been–fully aware of these allegations. As interim CEO and board chair, we want you to know that we take these allegations seriously and are committed to integrity, improvement, and upholding the trust of our staff members, providers, and community.

To ensure impartiality, the Board retained an outside firm to conduct an internal investigation and another to recommend updates to our processes and policies. While this work is ongoing, we are taking steps to address wrongdoing and shortcomings we identify. Led by our Board, these steps include making necessary personnel changes–inclusive of employees and members of the Board–to ensure both individual accountability and strict compliance with updated and comprehensive governance practices. Consistent with organizational policy, no specific personnel issues will be discussed.

In addition, various media outlets have frequently referenced the misuse of “charitable funds” when reporting on this story. However, these allegations do not include funds received through donation to any one of the four Kettering Health foundations, and our internal investigation has confirmed this to be accurate. Our foundations have stringent policies to ensure that all donated funds are appropriately accounted for, used in line with the request of each donor, and in compliance with applicable laws.

Kettering Health remains steadfast in our faith, and with a dedicated team and a strong financial position, we will continue to deliver on our sacred mission throughout Western Ohio. Our commitment and mission “to improve the quality of life of the people in the communities we serve through healthcare and education.” will never waver. On behalf of our Board and leadership team, we recognize and deeply appreciate your role in helping us to achieve this goal through the high-quality care and acts of compassion you deliver every day.

Resources

• Q&A: Click here to view or download a document providing insights on questions that you might have based on recent media coverage.
• Talking points: Click here to view or download talking points that may be helpful as you get questions from others in the community.