Over 2,400 hospital patients in Oregon have been notified of potential exposure to infectious diseases
Oregon health officials have raised alarms after it was discovered that over 2,400 patients may have been exposed to serious infections due to a physician breaking medical protocols. The doctor, who worked for the Oregon Anesthesiology Group, has not been publicly identified. Concerns primarily center around possible exposure to hepatitis B and C, as well as HIV, particularly during procedures at various hospitals in the Portland area.
According to a statement from Providence Health & Services, “We learned that infection control practices may not have been properly followed during some procedures.” This has led to serious concern for patient safety among both healthcare providers and affected individuals.
The potential exposure took place at several medical facilities, including Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center and Providence Portland Medical Center, among others. The physician had been with Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center since December 2023 and worked at two Providence facilities from 2017 to 2023.
In response to the situation, health officials are actively working with those impacted, offering support and guidance. “Patient safety is our top priority, and we are committed to a thorough review and appropriate action,” the organization emphasized.
Legacy Health has suspended the physician involved and has also terminated their employment with the Oregon Anesthesiology Group. They are proactively sending out notifications to the 221 patients believed to be affected directly.
Officials have reassured the community that this incident is isolated to one provider. “This was an isolated situation involving a single provider, contracted with the Oregon Anesthesiology Group,” Legacy Health stated, aiming to ease fears and clarify the scope of the issue.
The numbers of patients potentially affected include approximately 2,200 at Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center, 221 at Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center, and 2 at Providence Portland Medical Center. Each affected individual will receive a letter informing them of the situation, along with a notification through MyChart, the hospital's online health portal.
Upon learning about the potential risks, the Oregon Anesthesiology Group quickly took action. They collaborated with both Legacy Health and Providence to address the exposure risk. “When we became aware of the violation of infection control practices, we suspended the physician and initiated an investigation leading to termination,” they reported.
Although the risk of infection was assessed to be low, new protocols are being implemented to prevent any future incidents.
To further assist those potentially exposed, Providence Health & Services is offering free blood tests to check for infections. If any patient tests positive, the organization will reach out to discuss the results and necessary next steps.
In summary, a breach of infection control by an Oregon physician has put over 2,400 patients at risk for infections like hepatitis and HIV. Hospitals are actively informing affected individuals and providing free blood tests while implementing new safety measures to prevent future incidents.
