More than 2,400 patients at Portland-area hospitals may have been exposed to infectious diseases like HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
The potential exposure is linked to an anesthesiologist who did not follow proper infection control practices, according to officials. This breach has prompted a massive notification effort to alert those at risk.
Providence Health & Services Notifies Thousands of Patients
Providence Health & Services announced that about 2,200 patients at Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center in Oregon City and two patients at Providence Portland Medical Center may be at risk.
These patients were treated by the anesthesiologist between 2017 and 2023. Those potentially affected will receive letters or notifications through their MyChart accounts.
Free Blood Tests Offered to Affected Patients
To mitigate the risk, affected patients are encouraged to get a free blood test to screen for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV.
Providence has assured that if any patient tests positive, they will be contacted to discuss their results and next steps.
Anesthesiologist Employed by Oregon Anesthesiology Group
The anesthesiologist in question was employed by the Oregon Anesthesiology Group. This physician worked at the Providence facilities and Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center in Gresham for six months starting in December 2023.
The group stated that they have terminated the physician’s employment after discovering the breach in infection control practices.
Legacy Health Takes Action
Legacy Health is also notifying 221 patients who may have been affected during the anesthesiologist’s tenure at Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center.
The hospital is sending letters to these patients to inform them of the potential risk and the steps they should take to ensure their health and safety.
Oregon Anesthesiology Group’s Response
In response to the breach, the Oregon Anesthesiology Group released a statement highlighting their immediate actions.
“When we learned that the physician had violated infection control practices, we suspended him, informed our partners Legacy Health and Providence, and then began an investigation that resulted in the physician’s termination,” the group stated.
Oregon Health Authority’s Investigation
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is actively working with Legacy and Providence to investigate the breaches. The OHA noted that the physician delivered intravenous anesthesia using unacceptable infection control practices, which put patients at risk.
Despite the low risk of infection, the OHA emphasizes the importance of the ongoing investigations.
New Protocols to Prevent Future Incidents
In light of the incident, the Oregon Anesthesiology Group has implemented new protocols and procedures to prevent similar breaches in the future.
These measures are designed to enhance patient safety and ensure strict adherence to infection control standards, thereby restoring trust in their services.
Patient Safety is Paramount
Both Providence Health & Services and Legacy Health are committed to patient safety and are taking extensive measures to address and mitigate any risks arising from this incident.
They continue to work closely with health authorities to ensure comprehensive investigations and appropriate responses.
How to Stay Informed and Take Action
Affected patients are advised to stay informed by checking their mail and MyChart accounts for notifications.
Those who receive a notification should promptly schedule their free blood test. It’s crucial to follow the recommended steps to ensure personal health and safety.
Community Response and Support
The community response has been one of concern and support. Local health organizations are offering additional resources and information to help affected patients navigate this challenging situation.
The emphasis remains on ensuring that all patients receive the care and support they need.
Ensuring Better Healthcare Practices
Moving forward, it is vital for healthcare providers to continuously review and improve their protocols to protect patient health and prevent similar breaches in the future.
The commitment to safety and transparency will help rebuild trust and ensure better healthcare outcomes.
