Oregon Hospitals Notify 2,400 Patients of Potential Exposure to Infectious Diseases

Between the years 2017 and 2023, more than 2,400 patients in hospitals in Portland, Oregon, may have been exposed to infectious diseases such as hepatitis B and C, as well as HIV. This exposure was due to the actions of an anesthesiologist who did not follow proper infection control practices, according to officials.

Notification and Testing

Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center in Oregon City and Providence Portland Medical Center have notified approximately 2,200 and two patients, respectively, about the potential risk of exposure to infections. Affected patients will receive a letter or a notification in their MyChart accounts and are encouraged to undergo a free blood test to screen for the infections. Providence will provide support and guidance to patients who test positive.

Employment and Termination

The physician in question was employed by Oregon Anesthesiology Group and worked at the two Providence facilities during the mentioned period. However, the anesthesiology group no longer provides services to the hospitals. Furthermore, the physician also worked at Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center in Gresham for six months starting in December 2023. As a result of the breach, the physician has been terminated from the Oregon Anesthesiology Group.

The Oregon Anesthesiology Group has implemented new protocols and procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The Oregon Health Authority is actively involved in investigations regarding infection control breaches and is working closely with Legacy and Providence. Despite the breach, neither the Oregon Health Authority nor the hospitals have received reports of illness associated with this infection control breach.