Protect Yourself: Tips for Preventing Hepatitis and HIV Infections

More than 2,400 patients around Portland , Oregon , may have been exposed to infectious diseases such as hepatitis B and C , as well as HIV , due to an anesthesiologist who did not follow infection control practices , according to officials from Providence Health & Services . The affected patients include those seen at Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center in Oregon City and Providence Portland Medical Center . Providence is encouraging affected individuals to get a free blood test to screen for infections and will provide support for those who test positive.

The anesthesiologist , employed by Oregon Anesthesiology Group , worked at the two Providence facilities between 2017 and 2023 , as well as at Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center in Gresham for six months starting in December 2023 . Legacy Health is sending letters to 221 patients who may have been affected by the breach . The Oregon Anesthesiology Group stated that the physician has been terminated due to violating infection control practices , although the physician 's name has not been disclosed.

Legacy Health and Providence Health & Services are both conducting investigations into the infection control breach . The Oregon Health Authority is also involved in the investigation and stated that they are unaware of any reports of illness related to the breach at this time . According to the OHA , the breach was linked to a physician who administered intravenous anesthesia and used unacceptable infection control practices.

Providence Health & Services has switched providers from the Oregon Anesthesiology Group to Sound Physicians as a result of the breach . Both Legacy Health and Providence Health & Services are asking patients who may have been affected to undergo blood tests for hepatitis B and C , as well as HIV . Patients who test positive will receive follow - up care and support from the health systems . The Oregon Anesthesiology Group has implemented new protocols and procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The safety of patients remains a top priority for all involved parties . Legacy Health and Providence Health & Services are working to ensure that affected patients receive the necessary care and support . The breach highlights the importance of strict infection control practices in healthcare settings to prevent the spread of infectious diseases . It serves as a reminder of the critical role that healthcare providers play in protecting patient safety and well - being.