Mass General Brigham Salem Hospital is currently facing a class-action lawsuit due to the potential exposure of hundreds of patients to HIV or hepatitis. The lawsuit includes defendants such as Mass General Brigham, Salem Hospital, and 10 hospital employees who are being accused of negligently administering intravenous medications during endoscopy procedures.
However, the hospital asserts that the risk of infection is extremely low, and there have been no identified infections in relation to this issue thus far. Upon becoming aware of the issue earlier this year, the hospital promptly corrected the practice upon notification. Additionally, both the hospital’s quality and infection control teams were immediately alerted.
Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health conducted an onsite investigation at Salem Hospital. Both this department and Salem Hospital have stated that the infection risk to patients is minimal, and there is currently no evidence of any infections resulting from these exposures.
To ensure the safety of all potentially exposed patients, testing for HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C is being carried out. A spokesperson for Salem Hospital has confirmed that all individuals who may have been exposed have been notified, with 90% of them having already completed, scheduled, or declined free testing.
For patients who have not been notified, a spokesperson for Mass General Brigham, the parent company of Salem Hospital, assures that there is no cause for concern. This statement emphasizes that the hospital has been diligent in identifying and notifying potentially affected individuals.
As the lawsuit against Mass General Brigham Salem Hospital progresses, it is crucial to note that the hospital and relevant authorities are actively addressing the situation to minimize the impact on patients’ health and well-being. Cooperation and transparency remain paramount during this challenging time.
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