Time: 2024-07-15
An Oregon anesthesiologist has been suspended after potentially exposing over 2,000 patients at hospitals in the Portland area to HIV and Hepatitis . Legacy Health and Providence Health & Services are sending notifications to patients who may have been affected by the infection control breach . The anesthesiologist was contracted through the Oregon Anesthesiology Group and had been providing care at Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center for a six - month period starting in December 2023.
Both Legacy Health and Providence Health & Services are encouraging patients to get tested for hepatitis B and C as well as HIV as a precautionary measure . Patients can receive these tests at no cost and will be contacted with their results and next steps if they test positive . Legacy Health suspended the provider immediately upon learning of the situation and initiated a thorough investigation in compliance with regulations and internal policies.
Providence Health & Services confirmed that the exposure risk for patients was low and that new protocols and procedures have been implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future . The Oregon Anesthesiology Group , the employer of the anesthesiologist in question , emphasized Patient Safety as their priority and terminated the physician upon discovering the violation of infection control practices.
The Oregon Health Authority stated that there have been no reported illnesses related to the breach , and investigations are ongoing to ensure patient safety and prevent healthcare - associated infections . The breach has raised concerns about infection control practices in healthcare facilities and highlighted the critical role of infection preventionists and laboratory staff in safeguarding patient health . It is essential for healthcare providers to maintain high standards of care to protect patients from potential risks and ensure a safe healthcare environment.
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