Infection control breach exposes 260 at Wash. hospital

PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center has 200 tested individuals for HIV and hepatitis after an infection control breach exposed 260 patients to bloodborne diseases, reports TDN.

As of April 25, there has not been a reported case of anyone contracting HIV or hepatitis as a result of the breach. Further findings will be announced in May as PeaceHealth continues to offer free testing to any patient potentially exposed to HIV and hepatitis.

“We will continue to ensure that anyone who potentially could be infected is fully informed,” said PeaceHealth spokesman Tim Strickland. “We believe in acting with integrity in transparency, and we will continue to do that.”

The breach occurred when affected sleep apnea patients at St. John were fitted with dental appliances that were then improperly cleaned in the sterilization process before being used on unaffected patients. Patients were notified by mail and offered free testing at the expense of the medical center.

Strickland stated the hospital is taking every precaution to prevent an infection, while the risk of infection remains low.

“Most people are understanding and appreciative that we are acting in great caution to ensure their wellbeing,” he said. “As you can imagine, for some people, this is scary, and we understand that. We certainly apologize for any concern this scenario has caused for patients or for their family members.”