More than 3,700 patients are baffled after receiving a warning that they could have been exposed to dangerous bloodborne diseases like HIV and viral hepatitis while receiving care at the hospital.
Patients who were treated at HealthPlus Surgery Center in Saddle Brook, New Jersey between Jan. 1 and Sept. 7, 2018, are at risk.
The discovery came after an investigation by the New Jersey Department; they found that HealthPlus staff was not following proper sterilization procedures, or regulations around dispensing and storing medication.
Although there is no reports of any infections or illness, but HealthPlus and the New Jersey Department of Health recommend the patients to get blood tests for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV.
The agency ordered to close the surgery center on Sept. 7, and allowed it to reopen after twenty two days, by the time they hired and trained new staff, fixed medical equipment, and improved its infection control procedures.
“The New Jersey Department of Health’s move to close the facility provided an opportunity to focus more intently on quality, safety and a consistent adherence to sound policies and procedures,” the center’s statement said. “As a result, we have made significant improvements to ensure our patients’ safety and good health.”
