Addicted hospital worker exposed hundreds of patients to Hep C

i think what he is saying is that neither facility has been found to be at fault.


thanks for the update!

When I used to work hospital, JACHO absolutely forbid unlabeled syringes laying around. There were strict protocols about drawing up syringes ahead of time as well--this was a practice that was to be avoided when possible. Of coures, not all hospitals are JACHO certified. I've also never heard of diluting fentanyl when giving it IV push. Scary stuff is happening at these hospitals. Of course this Dr Srinivasan is claiming that there wasn't poor protocol going on--he wants to minimize the hospitals liability. Obviously there WAS poor protocol going on when someone who wasn't even supposed to have access to these rooms could switch out syringes repeatedly for months.

The story just broke on TV news this evening about a surgical tech arrested in Colorado who may have exposed up to 2,700 patients in Northern Westchester (New York) Medical Center to hep. C. She'd take the Fentanyl syringe from anesthesia machine, inject herself and put in back on machine (with saline inside?). The cunning of an addict - always impresses me. To all those CRNA's who are casual about leaving Fentanyl syringes exposed on your machines - don't do it. This hospital has to notify 2,700 patients, offer Hep C testing and expose shabby practices to the public. 2,700 people who must be very frightened and angry tonight. Our hospital has a $1,000 fine for any anesthesia practitioner who leaves a controlled substance unlocked in the room. This has proven to be a good deterrent.

Link to story: http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/07/03/...=ib_topstories

ABC 7 in the NYC metro area is advertising the surgical technician as a NURSE. The commercial for the 11pm news is saying that a NURSE may have exposed NY patients to hep C.

It is very sad to end your life and professional a career in this manner...hurting people who trust you. I don't know what to think of her...just sad case in all four corners.