Safety

NY hospital recalls patients due to infection-control lapse

Ambulatory Safety Monitor, June 23, 2004

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North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, NY, recently alerted 177 patients who underwent endoscopic procedures because of a breakdown in infection-control measures.

Officials at the 731-bed hospital were uncertain if staff washed endoscopes used between April 28 and May 10 with the proper disinfectant concentration because two employees failed to record mixing process results in the testing log. One employee was fired and the other was suspended without pay. Nurse managers are now required to check the log daily.

Eighty-six patients have undergone precautionary tests for infections such as HIV and hepatitis B and C, and all patients tested negative, according to North Shore University officials. State Department of Health officials will ensure that all patients receive follow-up care, a department spokesman said.



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