Eastern Connecticut Health Network CEO Peter J. Karl, who was arrested earlier this month on drunken-driving charges, resigned from his job Friday, citing health issues.
“Supporting the health needs of eastern Connecticut has been my primary focus for the past 11 years,” Karl said in written statement released today. “Regrettably, I have made the challenging decision to resign, allowing me to focus on personal health issues. I believe this step will allow ECHN to move forward without distraction during this important period of transition.”
ECHN is expected to finalize its sale to Prospect Medical Holdings effective Saturday. This transition will not be impacted by Karl’s resignation, ECHN spokeswoman Nina Kruse said, adding that ECHN’s policy did not allow for comment on specific employment matters.
“We thank Peter for his service and wish him well,” Dr. Dennis O’Neill, chairman of the ECHN Board of Trustees said today. “I have every confidence in the strength of our existing hospital executives and their ability to continue our tradition of delivering outstanding patient care to our communities.”
An email was distributed to staff Thursday, informing them Karl would be stepping down.
Karl, 55, a Glastonbury resident, was arrested Sept. 3 on drunken-driving charges after he was found slumped over the wheel in his still-running car, which had crashed into a curb in the north end of Hartford.
