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A New Jersey surgical center has issued a warning that over 3,000 patients may have been exposed to bloodborne pathogens during procedures performed at its facility. The exposure warning was recently profiled in a CNN article.
The warning stems from an investigation conducted by the New Jersey Department of Health which found HealthPlus Surgery Center employees failed to abide by sterilization procedures and properly clean medical instruments, potentially exposing thousands of patients to diseases that can be transmitted through blood, such as hepatitis C (HCV), hepatitis B (HBV), and HIV.
Although Health Department regulators have reported that no infections have been traced back to the protocol lapse, and that the infection risk is relatively low, they are still issuing warnings to all patients, and advising that they be tested for blood borne diseases.
Are You Affected by the HealthPlus Surgery Center Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Warning?
According to the warning and a press release issued by the surgery center, affected patients should get tested for blood infections as soon as possible. HealthPlus will pay for expenses associated with those tests if they are performed by recommended providers.
You or someone you love may be affected by the recent warning if:
- You obtained treatment from HealthPlus Surgery Center in Saddle Brook, New Jersey; and
- Had a procedure performed at HealthPlus at any time between January 2018 and September 2018.
The warning and the need to obtain blood tests is considerably alarming for patients, many of whom will likely experience substantial fear, concern, and mental anguish about their futures health. For those who do contract diseases, the damages they may experience can be profound and life-altering.
Fortunately for the individuals and families affected by this incident, there are pathways for holding negligent medical providers accountable for their negligence and failures to abide by medical standards. Though HealthPlus was closed and required to make changes that ensure its staff and procedures comply with health regulations, the damage to patients caused by their exposure has already been done.
Call (732) 440-3089 to Request a Free Review of Your Case
At Levinson Axelrod, P.A., our award-winning medical malpractice attorneys are available to speak with anyone who may have been affected by the recent warning. During a free and confidential consultation, we can discuss your rights and the steps you should be taking, as well as your options when it comes to pursuing a possible financial recovery of your damages, including any medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and other economic and non-economic damages.
To speak with an attorney from our team, call (732) 440-3089 or contact us online. Levinson Axelrod, P.A. is available 24/7 to help, and serves clients throughout New Jersey from multiple office locations.