As victims in various states, including Pennsylvania, continue to deal with the ramifications of having contracted hepatitis C from a former hospital technician who allegedly spread the disease while trying to feed his drug addiction, one hospital, Exeter, focuses on what it has accomplished since the matter was uncovered a year ago. Recently the hospital's vice president of strategy, community relations and development indicated that it has strengthened the facility's commitment to patient safety. This is reportedly demonstrated the several ways.

First, the facility is reportedly seeking to appoint someone to the position of drug diversion prevention specialist. In addition, it has made changes to the education it provides regarding drug diversion awareness. Second, it has adopted a new procedure for securing drugs. Now, after syringes are prepared, they are locked in a drawer that is a part of the machine used to prepare them. They are only accessed when they are going to be administered to patients.

Next, individuals hoping to be employed by the hospital must undergo a drug test before being hired. Employees who are suspected of using drugs are now subject to testing described as "more aggressive" as well. Another policy change the Exeter Hospital is seeking to implement is to eliminate the use of travelling technicians completely.

No one enters a hospital for treatment expecting to incur a serious disease such as hepatitis C during their stay. When an injury such as this does occur however, it may be possible to seek financial damages via a medical malpractice lawsuit. Because these types of cases are often complex, it is important to speak with a lawyer who handles them as soon as possible.

Source: Seacoast Online, "One year later, Exeter Hospital reflects on hepatitis C outbreak," Aaron Sanborn, May 23, 2013