West Penn health system CEO leaves

After just 19 months on the job as CEO of West Penn and Allegheny General hospitals, Gregory Burfitt is leaving. Burfitt, hired in February 2010, is the latest in a string of top officials to depart the financially struggling West Penn Allegheny Health System. The health system told its employees on Wednesday afternoon that Burfitt was stepping down as CEO of the two hospitals immediately and would leave the organization in October. The internal message, signed by health system President and CEO Dianne Dismukes, said Burfitt was leaving to "pursue other opportunities." Burfitt, reached at home, declined to comment. Duke Rupert was named president and CEO of West Penn Hospital, effective immediately, Dismukes said. Rupert was the chief operating officer of Allegheny General and West Penn hospitals.