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Second New York hospital alerts patients to possible HIV exposure
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For the second time this month, a New York hospital has notified 1,915 patients that after internal review, there is a possibility that reused insulin pens may have exposed them to hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. According to a press release, Olean General Hospital has recommended testing for all patients who were possibly exposed.
“Recent news stories brought to light problems with the inappropriate re-use of insulin pens at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Buffalo,” Upper Allegheny Health System President and CEO, Timothy J. Finan, said in a press release. “This situation prompted Olean General Hospital to initiate its own review and audit of the use of insulin pens at the hospital. Interviews with nursing staff indicated that the practice of using one patient’s insulin pen for other patients may have occurred on some patients.”
According to Finan, the hospital is now working with the New York State Department of Health to conduct the review.
Yesterday, the hospital sent a letter to all hospitalized patients who received insulin pen injections from November 23, 2009 to January 26, 2013. The letter notifies patients that they may or may not have been exposed to hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.
Patients have been advised to call the hospital to coordinate testing or to speak with a nurse should they have any additional questions.
“We are most apologetic for the inconvenience and concern this may cause to our patients,” Finan said in the release.
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