THOUSANDS of patients are at risk of HIV and hepatitis B and C after a medic allegedly violated infection control rules. More than 2,400 people may have been exposed to the potentially deadly blood-borne diseases while being given intravenous anaesthetic in hospitals across Portland, Oregon in the United States. This includes Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center, Providence Portland Medical Center and other non-Providence hospitals.
Those affected are being contacted and advised to get tested. Healthcare provider Providence said in a statement : "We recently learned that Providence’s comprehensive infection control practices may not have been followed by a physician during some procedures at Portland-area hospitals. "The physician was employed by Oregon Anesthesiology Group (OAG), which no longer provides services for Providence.
"The physician is no longer employed by OAG. "The actions of this physician might have put patients at a low risk of exposure to possible infections, including hepatitis B and C and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)." A spokesperson confirmed Providence was notifying "approximately" 2,200 patients seen at Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center and two patients seen at Providence Portland Medical Center.
"These patients are receiving a mailed letter and/or a MyChart notification with further information," they added. "If patients do not receive a letter or MyChart notification, no action is needed. "Out of an abundance of caution, we are .