Hospital Hallway. Source: Unsplash More than 2,400 patients across several hospitals in the Portland area may have been exposed to infectious dise
More than 2,400 patients across several hospitals in the Portland area may have been exposed to infectious diseases, including HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C, due to a possible breach in infection control protocols by an anesthesiologist.
According to CBS News, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is currently investigating the incident, which occurred at Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center in Oregon City, Providence Portland Medical Center, and Legacy Health facilities. The anesthesiologist in question has been identified as working for the provider Oregon Anesthesiology Group (OAG).
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Providence Health and Services released a statement indicating that approximately 2,200 patients seen at Providence Willamette Falls and two at Providence Portland Medical Center are notified of the potential risk. Legacy Health has identified 221 patients who may have been affected.
OAG has confirmed that the physician was suspended upon discovery of the protocol violation and subsequently terminated following an investigation. The exact nature of the breach remains unclear; however, officials have stated that the anesthesiologist’s actions pose a low risk of infection for the affected patients.
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As a precautionary measure, all patients who may have been exposed are being urged to undergo blood screening for HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Both Providence and Legacy Health are providing resources and support to those affected.
The OHA is working diligently to determine the full extent of the exposure and ensure the safety of all patients involved. The agency has emphasized the importance of infection control practices in healthcare settings and is committed to preventing similar incidents in the future.
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