A recent announcement by Providence, a health care system operating in several states, has raised concerns over the potential exposure of approximately 2,400 people to HIV, hepatitis, and other blood-borne infections. The exposure risk stems from an anesthesiologist’s improper administration of drugs at various Portland-area hospitals.
Details of the Hospitals and Affected Patients
The hospitals involved include Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center and Providence Portland Medical Center. Providence has notified around 2,200 patients from the former facility and two from the latter. Additionally, the same physician worked at Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center, where 221 patients are being notified of the potential risk.
Actions Taken by Health Care Providers
The anesthesiologist involved was employed by Oregon Anesthesiology Group (OAG), which partners with hospitals and surgery centers in western Oregon. Upon learning of the violation of infection control practices, OAG suspended the physician, informed their partners, and initiated an investigation that led to the physician’s termination. Providence representatives have emphasized that the risk of infection is low, but new protocols have been established to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Recommendations for Affected Patients
Providence is encouraging affected patients to undergo blood tests to screen for infections such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C at no cost. Patients who test positive will be notified and informed about the subsequent steps. Both Providence and Legacy Health have stressed that this was an isolated incident involving a single provider.
The health care systems have not disclosed the specific details of the infection control violations. However, it is known that the investigation centered around improper practices in delivering intravenous anesthesia. Providence and Legacy Health are committed to maintaining high standards of patient safety and have taken necessary measures to prevent future occurrences.