Readers in Pittsburgh are likely aware of the damage caused by the Exeter Hospital hepatitis C outbreak. The hospital negligence associated with this case is well-documented. However, a recent report shows that hepatitis C infections resulting from negligence affect more than just the eastern United States.

A hospital in Kansas is determining the extent of damage caused by unsanitary medical equipment. At least 244 people who underwent colonoscopies at the hospital may have been exposed to hepatitis C, hepatitis A or HIV. The hospital is contacting and testing those who were tested with the tainted equipment.

Hospital officials became aware of the sanitation issue when they were bringing new equipment into the facility. Apparently, there was a flaw in the training that staff received regarding the proper methods to clean the older colonoscopy testing equipment. Not only that, the hospital uses six different kinds of equipment to conduct colonoscopies, which could have created confusion and inconsistencies in the way each type of hardware is sanitized.

The CEO of the hospital acknowledged the mistakes that were made in terms of patient safety. At this time, patients tested as a result of this medical error may be considering the possibility of a medical malpractice suit for hospital negligence, which could depend on the patients' blood-test results.

In this particular case, the hospital made a potentially fatal mistake simply because they did not take the necessary steps to ensure sanitation procedures were thorough and accurate. As a result of this failure to exercise caution, hundreds of people are now concerned about the effects of taking a smart and proactive health measure.

Source: The Wichita Eagle, "Patients at Chanute hospital possibly exposed to hepatitis, HIV," Kelsey Ryan, July 16, 2013