DENVER – Patients who underwent orthopedic or spine surgeries at Porter Adventist Hospital between the summer of 2016 and early 2018 have been told an “inadequate” sterilization of surgical instruments may have put them at risk for hepatitis and/or HIV.
While there is no evidence as of now to believe any patient was infected, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reports a disease control investigation is ongoing.
The hospital has released an FAQ for anyone concerned. Find it at this link.
Wednesday, Porter Adventist staff began mailing letters to patients who visited the hospi tal between July 21, 2016 and Feb. 20, 2018. The notification only impacts those who underwent orthopedic or spine surgeries, according to CDPHE.
“The state health department was notified of the breach Feb. 21. The department conducted an on-site survey of infection control practices at Porter Adventist Hospital Feb 22,” according to CDPHE executive director Dr. Larry Wolk.
“The risk of surgical site infection related to this event (above the usual risk related to surgery) is unknown. The risk of getting HIV, hepatitis B or hepatitis C because of this issue is considered very low,” Dr. Wolk added.
CDPHE reports Porter’s surgical instruments were not cleaned adequately.
A statement from Porter’s spokesperson Chrissy Nicholson calls the problem “a gap in the pre-cleaning process, prior to sterilization.”
She said the hospital takes any gap in the pre-cleaning process seriously and, as of Wednesday, aren't aware of any infections caused by the gaps. The hospital is reaching out to all patients who underwent orthopedic and spine surgery in that 18-month time span.
"We understand that this information may cause concern, and are working closely with our patient care team, doctors and staff to ensure any patients involved have the information and resources they need," Nicholson continued.
