Hospital Warning: Almost 450 Patients May Have Been Exposed to Hepatitis and HIV
Background
Most people go to the hospital to get cured of disease. However, for almost 450 patients at Salem Hospital in Massachusetts, their hospital visit may have had a different outcome. These patients have now been warned of their possible exposure to hepatitis and HIV due to intravenous (IV) medication errors over the past two years.
Medication Errors and Exposure Risk
The exposure was caused by intravenous (IV) medication errors that occurred during improper administration of IV drugs. These errors involved patients who needed an endoscopy, a routine procedure in which a doctor inserts a thin, tubelike camera device into the body to conduct an examination. The hospital has since notified all patients who may have been affected.
Response and Testing
The hospital, which is part of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system, has taken steps to address the situation. Officials at Salem Hospital notified all potentially affected patients, and the hospital has also tested patients for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV, which are standard tests for a potential exposure of this kind. A telephone hotline staffed by clinicians is also available for patients with questions.
Hospital Statement and Risk Assessment
The hospital has issued a statement saying, "There is no evidence to date of any infections resulting from this incident. We have determined that the infection risk to patients from this event is extremely small. We sincerely apologize to those who have been impacted and we remain committed to delivering high-quality, compassionate healthcare to our community."
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health was also made aware of the potential exposures and concluded that the risk of possible infection was very low.
Historical Context
While this is not the first instance of such an exposure, it is not without precedent. In 2018, over 3,000 patients at the HealthPlus Surgery Center in Saddle Brook, New Jersey, were notified of a possible exposure to hepatitis and HIV. An investigation revealed that employees failed to follow proper procedures for sterilizing medical equipment. Similarly, in 2008, two endoscopy clinics in Las Vegas were cited for potentially exposing up to 63,000 patients to hepatitis C, primarily due to substandard infection control and other negligence.
FAQs
Q: How many patients were affected by the medication errors?
A: Almost 450 patients at Salem Hospital in Massachusetts
Q: What diseases were patients potentially exposed to?
A: Hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV
Q: How did the exposure occur?
A: Through intravenous (IV) medication errors during improper administration of IV drugs during endoscopy procedures
Q: What is the risk of infection?
A: The hospital’s assessment is that the risk of infection is extremely small
Q: What is being done to address the situation?
A: Patients have been notified, tested, and a hotline has been set up for further assistance
