Over 2,400 patients possibly exposed to infections after Oregon physician broke protocol

Oregon health services have issued a warning after more than 2,400 patients may have been exposed to infections by a physician who is said to have broken protocol.

The physician, whose identity has not been revealed, was formerly employed by the Oregon Anesthesiology Group . They may have exposed patients to a minimal risk of infections at Legacy Health and Providence Health & Services . The infections include hepatitis B and C and human immunodeficiency virus, better known as HIV, a news release on Thursday from the Providence Health & Services said.

“We recently learned that Providence’s comprehensive infection control practices may not have been followed by a physician during some procedures at Portland-area hospitals,” Providence Health & Services said in a statement to USA TODAY.

Some of the hospitals involved include Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center, Providence Portland Medical Center and other non-Providence hospitals, the organization said.

The physician was employed at Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center since December 2023 and at two Providence Health & Services centers from 2017 to 2023.

The organization is working with the patients that are affected as they navigate this incident.

“Patient safety is our number one priority, and our patients have our full commitment to a thorough review of this issue and appropriate action,” the organization said.

Health: 40% of cancers found to be preventable with these lifestyle changes

Physician suspended after possible exposures

Legacy Health told USA TODAY it has suspended the physician, who was also terminated by Oregon Anesthesiology Group.

In addition, Legacy Health said it's sending letters to 221 patients who may have been impacted.

The hospital group said this incident only involves one physician.

“Our community should know that this was an isolated situation involving a single provider, contracted with the Oregon Anesthesiology Group to provide care at Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center for approximately six months beginning in December of 2023,” the group said.

How many patients are involved?

Legacy Health and Providence Health & Services said the following number of patients may have been affected:

• 2,200 patients at Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center
• 221 patients at Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center
• 2 patients at Providence Portland Medical Center

All patients affected will receive a letter in the mail and a MyChart notification. MyChart is an online patient portal service that provides an individual's health information.

Oregon Anesthesiology Group's response to the physician investigation

When Oregon Anesthesiology Group was notified about the possible exposure risk, the group worked with Legacy Health and Providence Health & Services to establish a resolution.

“The safety of our patients is our top priority. When we learned that the physician had violated infection control practices, we suspended him, informed our partners Legacy Health and Providence, and then began an investigation that resulted in the physician’s termination,” the group said in a statement.

“Even though the risk of infection was low, new protocols and procedures have been put in place to prevent similar incidents in the future,” the Oregon Anesthesiology Group said.

Patients affected will get a free blood test to check for infections

Providence Health & Services said that it plans to work with the patients that are affected to get a free blood test to screen for the infections.

“If a patient tests positive, Providence will reach out to discuss their test results and next steps,” the organization said.

Ahjané Forbes is a reporter on the National Trending Team at USA TODAY. Ahjané covers breaking news, car recalls, crime, health, lottery and public policy stories. Email her at aforbes@gannett.com . Follow her on Instagram , Threads and X (Twitter) @forbesfineest.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Over 2,400 patients possibly exposed to infections after Oregon physician broke protocol