A day after announcing the retirement of Wheeling Hospital's CEO, hospital officials still aren't commenting on the matter.

Dr. Donald Hofreuter served as CEO for 12 years at the hospital, which is one of the Ohio Valley's largest healthcare facilities. Today, he also declined to comment on his future plans.

Hofreuter, a physician, became CEO in January of 1994. Fewer than 4 percent of hospitals in the United States are run by physicians, according to the American Hospital Association.

During his tenure, Hofreuter brought open heart surgery and angioplasty to Wheeling Hospital, brought five community hospitals under Wheeling Hospital's umbrella, and oversaw $125 million in capital improvements.

He also took a leading role in dealing with West Virginia's medical malpractice issues at a time when many doctors were leaving the Mountain State.

More recently, Hofreuter developed his own health problems and underwent heart surgery.

"I thought I was on the right track with all the exercise and the heart healthy diet that I was following, but nobody is immune from this disease," Hofreuter told NEWS 9 in 2005.

In a press release, Bishop Michael Bransfield, chairman of Medical Park Health Systems, invited Hofreuter to continue his ministry of healing.

"With his background, his knowledge and his drive, he can help the diocese...in many wonderful and important ways," Bransfield said.

The release also states that the hospital's board of directors unanimously thanked Hofreuter for his service.

A Pittsburgh-based consulting company will operate the hospital and oversee the search for a new CEO. The company is expected to name an interim president.

-Renee Cardelli