The New Jersey Department of Health and the West Windsor Township Health Department are investigating an incident of reused syringes at an area clinic. Over 60 different people are thought to be in danger.
The nursing malpractice incident began September 30th of this year at Otsuka Pharmaceuticals. According to a Washington Post report, a nurse contracted by health care provider Total Wellness “failed to follow proper medical procedures and safeguards” by reusing the same syringe on dozens of people getting a flu vaccine. Once the error was discovered, Total Wellness began working with the Department of Health. Total Wellness’ president said, “Our sincerest apologies go out to all those affected by this terrible event.”
NJ health officials were able to contact most of the people in danger. The risk for any serious infection – such as hepatitis B or C and HIV – is relatively low. Depsite this, the company that supplied the space for the vaccinations was disturbed by the accident. “We were upset and alarmed when we learned that a nurse…had breached vaccination protocols,” Total Wellness said. A state and regional investigation into how this could have happened remains open.
If you or a loved one has been affected by this event, contact The New Jersey Department of Health.
For more information on medical malpractice, contact Blume Forte Fried Zerres & Molinari at 973-845-4421 to schedule a consultation.
Source: The Washington Post