November 14, 2007

Long Island Doc Reuses Needles, Endangers Patients

A Nassau County, Long Island, anesthesiologist has put 630 of his patients at risk for HIV and hepatitis B and C infections after reusing needles and syringes, health officials said Monday, November 12 (newsday.com 11/13).

Two patients were already diagnosed as having hepatitis C, while others will receive letters from the health department this week, advising them to get tested for HIV and both forms of hepatitis.

In 2004, health officials first traced a case of hepatitis C back to this physician—who has not been identified. The same physician was also found to be linked to a second case of hepatitis C. Officials discovered that the doctor had used the same needles and syringes on multiple patients from 2000 through 2005. The anesthesiologist, named only to those involved in the investigation, will continue his practice despite the potential outbreak of blood-borne viral infections.

“The physician has remediated the problems and is entitled to continue to practice. One can understand that,” said Nassau Health Commissioner Dr. Abby Greenberg. “That’s the state’s position and we’re following their lead.”