Surgery Center Addresses Sterilization Scandal That Possibly Exposed Patients To Hepatitis, HIV
SADDLE BROOK, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) – After revelations that thousands of people were possibly exposed to several bloodborne diseases, a New Jersey surgery center on Saturday was forced to explain how it happened and what's being done for the patients.
Operating rooms at the HealthPlus Surgery Center in Saddle Brook were not properly cleaned and disinfected between procedures, according to a report from the state Department of Health that was made public Friday. In one instance, an inspector saw a stretcher in a hallway with a blood-stained sheet that wasn't properly disinfected even after the inspector pointed it out to staffers.
State surveyors also found the facility improperly stored sterilized items, jeopardizing their cleanliness, while other sterilized instruments revealed rust-like stains, the report said.
During a news conference Saturday, facility representatives said an investigation determined that "a handful of people who have been removed" were mostly responsible for the lapses that occurred. Two employees were fired after revelations that thousands may have been exposed to the diseases.
WEB EXTRA - See HealthPlus Surgery Center's entire response to the sterilization scandal here:
Nearly 3,800 former patients have been urged to get tested, but authorities say no illnesses have been reported. The health department says the risk of infection is low, noting the recommendation for testing was made out of "an abundance of caution."
MORE: Surgery Center In NJ Says 3,778 Patients May Have Been Exposed To Bloodborne Infections
State health officials have said anyone who had a procedure performed at the center from January to Sept. 7 this year may have been exposed.
The facility was shuttered for three weeks in September after the state Department of Health received a complaint.
The center's nursing director resigned a day before the facility was shuttered. Mark Manigan, a Roseland attorney representing the center, declined to say if that was related to the complaint and closure. He said the center's administrator is not expected to resign.
As part of a corrective plan implemented with the center's reopening, HealthPlus must conduct quarterly infection control audits and sterilization audits every six months.
- In New Jersey:
- Call 1-888-507-0578 Monday through Friday between 9 a.m.-9 p.m. to schedule a test
- Testing will take place at the Hudson Regional Hospital located at 55 Meadowlands Parkway, Secaucus, New Jersey 07094.
- Bring the letter you received from the center with you
- In New York
- Testing can be conducted at any LabCorp location. To find a location near you, click here.
- You can also call 1-888-507-0578 Monday through Friday between 9 a.m.-9 p.m. to schedule a test
- Bring the letter you received, along with the LabCorp enclosure you received, and a photo ID.
(© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
