An American doctor in Oregon has put around 2400 patients at risk of hepatitis and HIV after neglecting safety protocols. Legacy Health and Providence announced in statements on Thursday that thousands of patients may have been exposed to these infections due to the doctor's disregard for infection control procedures. According to FOX 12 Oregon television, a doctor from the Oregon Anesthesia Group, who was fired after an investigation, overlooked infection prevention protocols while providing medical care in facilities associated with Legacy Health and Providence since December 2023.
Legacy Health stated it is in the process of sending letters to 221 patients to inform them of the breach, noting that this was an "isolated incident involving one provider," and reaffirmed that the doctor was removed immediately, prompting a comprehensive investigation. Providence mentioned that around 2200 patients treated in Portland area hospitals, including Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center and Providence Portland Medical Center, may have been exposed to the virus.
Providence indicated that the actions of this doctor may have made patients susceptible to potential infections, including hepatitis B and C and HIV. They confirmed that an investigation led to the termination of the doctor, and emphasized that while the risk of infection was low, new protocols and procedures have been implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.
