The Oregon Health Authority issued a warning that more than 2,400 patients may have been exposed to infection by a doctor who allegedly violated rules.
The doctors, whose identities have not been released, previously worked for the Oregon Anesthesiology Group and may have exposed patients at Legacy Health and Providence Health & Services to minimal risk of infection, including hepatitis B, hepatitis C and the human immunodeficiency virus, known as HIV, Providence Health & Services said in a news release Thursday.
“It has recently come to light that Providence’s comprehensive infection control practices may not have been followed by physicians during some procedures performed at a Portland-area hospital,” Providence Health & Services said in a statement to USA Today.
The hospitals involved include Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center, Providence Portland Medical Center and other hospitals outside of Providence, according to the group.
The doctor will be based at Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center starting in December 2023 and previously worked at two Providence Health & Services Center locations from 2017-2023.
The organisation is working with patients affected by the incident to respond.
“Patient safety is our top priority and we assure patients that we are committed to thoroughly investigating this matter and taking appropriate action,” the group said.
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Doctor suspended over suspected infection
Legacy Health told USA Today that it had suspended the doctor, who had also been fired by Oregon Anesthesiology Group.
Additionally, Legacy Health said it has sent letters to 221 patients who may have been affected.
The hospital group said the incident only involved one doctor.
“Our community should know that this is an isolated situation with a single provider contracted with Oregon Anesthesia Group to provide care at Legacy Mt. Hood Medical Center for approximately six months beginning in December 2023,” the group said.
How many patients?
According to Legacy Health and Providence Health & Services, the number of patients potentially affected is as follows:
- 2,200 patients at Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center
- 221 patients at Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center
- Two patients at Providence Portland Medical Center
All affected patients will receive a letter in the mail and a MyChart notification. MyChart is an online patient portal service that provides personal health information.
Oregon Anesthesiology Group Physicians’ Response to the Survey
After being notified of the potential exposure risk, Oregon Anesthesiology Group worked with Legacy Health and Providence Health & Services to establish a solution.
“Patient safety is our number one priority. When we learned that the physician violated infection control practices, we suspended him, notified our partners, Legacy Health and Providence, launched an investigation and terminated the physician,” the organization said in a statement.
“While the risk of infection was low, new protocols and procedures have been put in place to prevent similar incidents in the future,” the Oregon Anesthesiology Group said.
Infected patients can take free blood tests to confirm whether they are infected or not.
Providence Health and Services said it will work with affected patients to get free blood tests to test for the infection.
“If a patient tests positive, Providence will contact them to discuss the test results and next steps,” the organization said.
Ajane Forbes is a reporter for USA Today’s National Trends team. Ajane covers breaking news, auto recalls, crime, health, lottery and public policy. Email: ajane@usatoday.com email addressInstagram, Threads, and X (Twitter) From @forbesfineest.
