An Oregon man is speaking out after learning he may have been infected due to a hospital error that affected thousands of patients. The Oregon Health Authority recently announced that a physician at three local hospitals put patients at risk of infections like HIV and Hepatitis B and C by not following proper protocols.
The man, who wished to remain anonymous, received two letters from Legacy Health regarding his procedure on May 15. The first letter downplayed the risk, stating it did not affect his health, but a second letter on July 10 acknowledged a potential exposure to infections.
More than 2,400 Oregon patients have been notified of possible exposure to these infections due to the physician’s errors. The man expressed concern for his health and that of his family, questioning why the hospital initially claimed there was no danger.
Despite reaching out for clarification, Legacy Health, OHA, and Providence had no new information to provide beyond their initial statements. The affected patients are seeking answers and reassurance regarding their potential exposure and health concerns.
Vocabulary List:
- Infection /ɪnˈfɛkʃən/ (noun): The invasion and multiplication of microorganisms in body tissues.
- Protocols /ˈprəʊtəkɒlz/ (noun): Formal rules or procedures that govern how something is done.
- Acknowledged /əkˈnɒlɪdʒd/ (verb): Recognized the existence or truth of something.
- Exposure /ɪkˈspoʊʒər/ (noun): The state of being exposed to potential harm or danger.
- Concern /kənˈsɜrn/ (noun): A feeling of worry or anxiety about something.
- Reassurance /ˌriːəˈʃʊərəns/ (noun): The action of removing someone’s doubts or fears.
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