Statement From Dr. Larry Wolk, Chief Medical Officer, Executive Director Of CDPHE
The Disease Control and Environmental Epidemiology Division at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has completed its investigation of alleged drug diversion by a surgical technician at Swedish Medical Center between August 2015 and January 2016.
To address public health concerns, Swedish officials attempted to notify approximately 3,000 patients potentially affected by the surgical technician's conduct, which potentially put patients at risk of exposure to HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Many of those patients took advantage of the free blood testing offered by Swedish; however, complete test results were not obtained for approximately 1,000 patients. Swedish continues to provide access to free blood testing for patients who were notified of their risk of potential exposure, and the department encourages patients who have not completed testing to do so.
Of available blood test results, CDPHE's investigation has produced no evidence of disease transmission, either from the surgical technician to a patient or from patient to patient. The absence of such evidence is not proof that no disease transmission occurred, because not all notified patients chose to be tested.
In early April, the Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division finalized the report of its investigation. Deficient practice was cited regarding Swedish pharmacy services, including drug auditing procedures as well as infection control and surgical services. Ensuring accountability and tracking controlled drugs were addressed in the hospital's plan of correction.
Individuals may choose to release specific information pertaining to their own health status. However, because the department is charged with conducting confidential disease control investigations, any information, including reports of the investigation, released publicly by the department will not identify any named individual's health status.
