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The former Mount Carmel anesthesiologist faces 14 counts of murder after prosecutors say he ordered excessive doses of painkillers that hastened the deaths of patients.

More testimony from anesthesiologist in William Husel murder trial

Defendant William Husel, center, heads for the courtroom with his wife, Mariah, right, and his attorney, Jose Baez, left, on Tuesday., Feb. 22, 2022 at the Franklin County Common Pleas Courthouse in Columbus, Ohio. Husel, an Ohio doctor, is charged in multiple hospital deaths. He is accused of ordering excessive painkillers for patients in the Columbus-area Mount Carmel Health System.(Fred Squillante/The Columbus Dispatch via AP, Pool)
Fred Squillante
/
AP
Defendant William Husel, center, heads for the courtroom with his wife, Mariah, right, and his attorney, Jose Baez, left, on Tuesday., Feb. 22, 2022 at the Franklin County Common Pleas Courthouse in Columbus, Ohio. Husel, an Ohio doctor, is charged in multiple hospital deaths. He is accused of ordering excessive painkillers for patients in the Columbus-area Mount Carmel Health System.(Fred Squillante/The Columbus Dispatch via AP, Pool)

Today in the murder trial of former Mount Carmel doctor William Husel, there was more testimony from anesthesiologist and critical care physician Dr. John Schweiger.

Earlier this week, Schweiger testified that he reviewed the 14 patients' medical records and concluded that in 13 of the 14 cases, medications given to them and prescribed by Husel hastened or caused their deaths.

Dr. John Schweiger testified under direct examination that he observed medical records of multiple patients that did not properly record the medication used and the response of those under the care of Dr. Husel. Under cross-examination defense attorney Diane Menashe pointed out that hospital policies were followed.

Menashe asked, “Yes or no, you were aware that Mount Carmel did not have a policy that prior to a terminal vent withdrawal, the palliative care team needed to be consulted?"

Schweiger responded, "Yes, I was aware through my review that Mount Carmel West did not have a policy mandating palliative care on each and every case.”

Menashe also questioned Schweiger about his criticism about patient care at Mount Carmel West, and pointed out that some of the patient care decisions were made by doctors working the day shift while Dr. Husel worked at night.

Debbie Holmes has worked at WOSU News since 2009. She has hosted All Things Considered, since May 2021. Prior to that she was the host of Morning Edition and a reporter.
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