Terrace Hospital Incident Sparks Review

By 250 News

Northern Health has announced its reviewing its clearning procedures for laproscopic surgical instruments following a cleaning issue that came to light at Mills Memorial Hospital in Terrace earlier this month.

From last November to early this month, 57 patients have undergone procedures in which the instrument in question has been used.  The instrument had not been completely taken apart prior to cleaning and sterilization.

"In this case, there is no discernible or realistic risk of infection, due to the sterilization process that had been taking place all along," says Dr. David Butcher, NH Vice-President of Medicine. 

"After cleaning, instruments are routinely sterilized under pressure at 124 degrees Celsius for four minutes.  Serious viruses are eliminated at 60 degrees Celsius for one minute," says the doctor.  But, he adds, NH has written letters to the patients involved and advised them to speak with their physician if they have any health concerns.

Butcher says, "We have corrected the problem in this case and are ensuring cleaning procedures are appropriately followed in all sites across Northern BC."

In addition to the immediate review, an audit is also taking place on sterile processing and re-processing procedures across the North.

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