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SALEM, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Hundreds of patients at Salem Hospital were potentially exposed to HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C infections over the course of nearly two years, the hospital warned Wednesday.
The hospital said nearly 450 endoscopy patients were possibly exposed due to incorrectly administered intravenous medication.
"Once identified, the practice was immediately corrected, and the hospital’s quality and infection control teams were notified," the hospital said in a statement.
According to Salem Hospital officials, a comprehensive review determined that the infection risk to patients from this event is "extremely small." The hospital said it has notified all potentially impacted patients, set up a clinician-staffed hotline to answer questions, and is providing them with free screening and any necessary support.
"There is no evidence to date of any infections resulting from this incident," the hospital said.
Hospital officials emphasized that if patients have not been notified, they do not need to be concerned.
"The safety of our patients is our highest priority and we have undertaken multiple corrective actions in response to this event. We sincerely apologize to those who have been impacted and we remain committed to delivering high-quality, compassionate health care to our community," said Salem Hospital.
Correction: A previous version said the hospital was testing for Hepatitis A. They are actually testing for Hepatitis C.
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