CHOP Removes General Counsel

February 18, 2011 — The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia announced today that Roosevelt Hairston, Jr., executive vice president and general counsel, has been removed from his position following an internal investigation that found evidence of financial irregularities by Mr. Hairston. The matter has been referred to the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

Jeffrey D. Kahn has been named acting general counsel.

The decision to terminate Mr. Hairston’s employment was made by Steven Altschuler, MD, chief executive officer, and subsequently confirmed by the Board of Trustees which found that Mr. Hairston’s actions were in violation of CHOP’s employment policies and code of ethical conduct. The misconduct at issue was purely financial and had no impact on the care or services that CHOP provides.

“The leadership of The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia is committed to the highest ethical behavior of all our employees, and our action in this matter affirms that commitment,” said Dr. Altschuler. “As we address this issue, we remain focused on fulfilling our mission of providing excellent care to our patients and families.”

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Note to editors: This remains an active investigation, one that, upon advice of counsel, precludes further comment at this time. Once the investigation is complete, we will provide additional comment as appropriate.