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Neosho Memorial Regional Medical
Center in Chanute, Kans., announced on July 16 that more than 240 patients who
underwent colonoscopies at the center might have been exposed to hepatitis C,
hepatitis B, and HIV, among other diseases, due to improper scope sanitization.
Neosho Memorial Chief Executive Officer Dennis Franks said patients who
underwent colonoscopies between January and July 3 might have been exposed to
potential infections; the hospital did not become aware of the issue until July
5.
The hospital is sending
priority-mail notifications to the 244 patients it thought might have been
affected. Franks also said Neosho Memorial would cover all testing costs, as
well as treatment, if anyone tested positive. The hospital plans to send blood
samples from affected patients to the Kansas Department of Health and
Environment for testing, with results available in approximately two weeks.
Franks described the situation as an "oversight in training after an
upgrade in equipment," but stressed that infection control specialists
thought the risk of infection was extremely low. Officials continue to investigate
the situation.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is
dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and
empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV
virus.
To learn more about The Friends of
AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
