In a concerning development, it has been revealed that approximately 2,400 patients may have been exposed to HIV and hepatitis B and C at two hospitals in Oregon. A breach in infection control protocols involving an anesthesiologist has prompted health officials to urge affected individuals to undergo immediate testing.
The Providence and Legacy Health systems, responsible for the care of these patients, have taken swift action to address the potential exposure. Patients who received treatment at Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center in Oregon City and Providence Portland Medical Center have been advised to take tests as a precautionary measure.
According to a statement released by Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center, approximately 2,200 of their patients are potentially affected. Additionally, two patients at Providence Portland Medical Center have also been notified. Legacy Health, on the other hand, is in the process of contacting 211 patients treated at the Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center who may have been exposed.
The source of the potential exposure has been traced back to an anesthesiologist who worked at Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center between December 2023 and May of this year. The individual, who remains unidentified, was employed by a third-party contractor, the Oregon Anesthesiology Group. However, the anesthesiologist is no longer associated with the company, as confirmed by a statement from Oregon Anesthesiology Group.
Providence, in a statement, expressed concern over the situation and acknowledged the low risk of exposure to possible infections, including hepatitis B and C and HIV, due to the actions of the physician. They assured patients that the necessary tests would be provided free of charge. In the event of a positive test result, Providence will reach out to affected individuals to discuss further steps and support.
Legacy Health emphasized that this incident is an isolated situation tied to the Oregon Anesthesiology Group. The group has initiated an internal investigation and has suspended the involved physician pending the outcome of their inquiry.
