The patients may have been exposed to the virus through the actions of a former hospital employee who is suspected of diverting drugs for personal use, according to a hospital statement. A former patient did test positive for hepatitis C after receiving care at PeaceHealth Southwest, “but a thorough investigation has not isolated the cause or location of the exposure,” according to a statement. “It is possible that the exposure took place at PeaceHealth Southwest, but this has not been confirmed.”
Sy Johnson, CEO of PeaceHealth Southwest, said “the risk of infection is low,” but the hospital wanted to act “with great caution to ensure the well-being of our patients.”
Hospital and public health officials mailed certified letters May 19 to patients who were potentially exposed. Those patients can receive free hepatitis C testing, and temporary patient service centers have been set up at three locations to make the testing more convenient.
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