An outside physician who was working at 3 hospitals in the Portland, Oregon area did not follow infection prevention protocols, leaving patients potentially exposed to bloodborne infections.
More than 2400 patients are being cautioned about the potential exposure to bloodborne diseases hepatitis B and C, as well as HIV, because of a physician who did not follow infection control practices during some procedures at Portland-area hospitals, including Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center; Providence Portland Medical Center; and Legacy Health Systems Mt. Hood Medical Center, in Gresham.1
No specifics were offered about the physician or the types of procedures patients were undergoing, but the physician was employed by Oregon Anesthesiology Group (OAG), which no longer provides services for Providence, and the physician is no longer employed by OAG.1
These patients are receiving a mailed letter and/or a MyChart notification with further information. According to the Providence announcement, those patients who do not receive a letter or MyChart notification will not need to take any action.1
In a statement, the Oregon Health Authority said its healthcare-associated infection program is working with Legacy Mt. Hood Medical Center and Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center on their investigations into the breached practices.2
"Oregon Health Authority acknowledges the worry, pain, and loss suffered by anyone affected by a healthcare-associated infection (HAI)...According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in 31 hospital patients in the US has at least 1 HAI on any given day. HAIs can have devastating impacts for patients, as they can increase the length of stay, delay recovery from illness, cause emotional stress, and can lead to sepsis or even death. OHA’s response to HAIs can involve different divisions with separate consultative and regulatory functions,” OHA noted in a statement.2
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“Out of an abundance of caution, we are encouraging these patients to get a blood test to screen for the aforementioned infections, at no cost. If a patient tests positive, Providence will reach out to discuss their test results and next steps,” according to the Providence statement.1
Over 2400 patients at 3 Portland, Oregon area hospitals were potentially exposed to bloodborne diseases.
Oregon Health Authority said its healthcare-associated infection program is working with Legacy Mt. Hood Medical Center and Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center on the investigation.
Providence is offering free blood tests to those potentially exposed.
Legacy Health and Providence Health & Services said the following number of patients may have been affected3:
"Patient safety is our number 1 priority, and our patients have our full commitment to a thorough review of this issue and appropriate action," the Providence statement added.
“While news of this infection control breach at Legacy Mt. Hood Medical Center and Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center may be distressing for some people, it’s important to know that Oregon’s health care providers employ highly qualified and skilled infection preventionists and laboratory staff who lead the charge to prevent HAIs," the OHA noted in its statement. “In addition, local, state and federal public health agencies work closely with healthcare settings to implement effective infection control practices and equip health care providers with the tools that keep patients, visitors and the public safe.”2
