Beth Israel Deaconess chief Paul Levy resigns

In an interview from his office at the hospital this morning, Levy said his resignation was unrelated to the controversy last year. "That was over. That was almost a year ago. The board had given me a vote of confidence.''

Instead, Levy said his decision was related to his turning 60 and the hospital's financial success.

Levy said he enjoys leading an organization most when it's struggling and is in need of a turnaround -- which was the situation when he was hired as chief executive of the hospital nine years ago.

"Once that's in place, I lose my enthusiasm for the maintenance of things,'' he said. "Here, that job is done. We had our best year ever last year.''

Because the hospital is very profitable and because more patients are seeking care there, Levy said he believes his friendship with the female employee, who no longer works at Beth Israel Deaconess, and the subsequent investigations did not end up hurting the organization.

He said that he will stay ''a few weeks to a month'' and that the hospital's chief operating officer, Eric Buehrens, will temporarily run Beth Israel Deaconess while the board searches for a permanent replacement.

Stephen Kay, chairman of the Board of Directors for Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, said in a statement sent to hospital employees that the board will appoint a search committee in the next few weeks.

He praised Levy for placing the hospital on "solid financial footing" and "making significant improvements in quality and patient safety."

"When the situation demanded a bold vision, Paul delivered. When austerity was the order of the day, Paul answered with compassion," Kay wrote.

Kay is meeting with employees during two sessions this afternoon.