According to a recent report, “lapses in infection control in sterilization” may have exposed more than 3,000 patients treated at a New Jersey surgery center to HIV, hepatitis, or other infectious diseases.
An article detailing the hospital error is available here.
An Investigation into the Facility
More than 3,700 patients who underwent procedures at the HealthPlus Surgery Center in Saddle Brook, New Jersey may have been exposed to harmful blood-borne illnesses such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. The facility released a statement following an investigation into their safety and sanitation procedures by the New Jersey State Department of Health.
From September 7th to September 28th, the state of New Jersey closed the HealthPlus Surgery Center. In a statement, the facility stated it improved infection-control measures, hired and trained new employees, revised sterilization procedures, and disinfected equipment during that time.
The statement read, in part: “Although the risk of infection is low, out of an abundance of caution, HealthPlus and the New Jersey Department of Health recommend patients get blood tests for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV… The New Jersey Department of Health’s move to close the facility provided an opportunity to focus more intently on quality, safety, and consistent adherence to sound policies and procedures… As a result, we have made significant improvements to ensure our patients’ safety and good health.”
Putting Patients in Danger
Patients treated between January 1st and September 7th, 2018 by the surgery center may have been exposed to HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. In its investigation, the state concluded employees of HealthPlus did not adhere to correct sterilization procedures. It determined that the staff failed to comply with infection-control planning regulations.
Investigators also noted improper procedures for dispensing and storing medications.
Even though there are no reports of infection or illness at present, the NJ State Department of Health and HealthPlus recommends patients treated between January 1st and September 7th, 2018 receive blood tests to check for infections, including Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, or HIV.
About Medical Mistakes
Patients rely on healthcare professionals to treat them properly. When mistakes are made, serious injuries and death can result. If your healthcare provider did not follow the standard of care when treating you or a loved one, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit.
Graves McLain is Here to Help
If you or a loved one has been injured due to a Surgical Error, call Graves McLain right away at 918-359-6600 or fill out a free consultation form online. When you call one of our experienced Tulsa, Oklahoma Medical Malpractice Attorneys, we will speak with you for FREE and determine the best course of action.
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