A media conference was called by healthcare officials and held at Group Health Centre (GHC) yesterday afternoon to alert the media and public of the need for certain patients get tested for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.
The conference came after it was discovered reusable surgical instruments for minor surgical procedures, used in the office of GHC physician Dr. E.E. Beduhn at his office, had not been properly cleaned and sanitized.
Registered letters are being sent out this week to notify patients who had a minor surgical procedure, such as a wart removal, suture removal or removal of superficial skin lesions, performed on or after April 1, 1998.
"Our investigation into this incident is ongoing into the how and why," Alex Lambert, GHC CEO, told Village Media.
No one has reported feeling ill, Lambert said.
Beduhn is still practicing out of his Queen Street office, said Dr. Jodie Stewart, acting CEO, Algoma District Medical Group, but in accordance with procedure, the Ontario College of Physicians and Surgeons has been informed, said Dr. Penny Sutcliffe, acting medical officer of health, Algoma Public Health.
The risk of infection to patients was brought to the attention of Algoma Public Health (APH) three weeks ago with additional details provided November 12, followed by an APH inspection November 13.
That sequence of events led to Monday's announcement and recommendations.
"I would like to underscore there are no concerns about infection control practices at this (Beduhn's) office as of October 28, 2015," Sutcliffe told Monday's media conference.
"There are similarly no concerns about any other Group Health Centre office, there are also no concerns about minor surgical procedures performed by Dr. Beduhn in locations outside of his practice at 955 Queen Street East," Sutcliffe said.
"I recognize that for patients affected by this announcement this news may raise concerns and questions. Algoma Public Health has set up a dedicated phone line staffed with public health professionals to respond to calls."
"The phone line will be available beyond our normal business hours," Sutclife said.
Information lines have been set up at the Group Health Centre (705-759-5584) and Algoma Public Health (705-759-8529 or 1-844-812-9183), and further information is also available on the APH website
"I really encourage patients affected by this announcement to get tested," Sutcliffe said.
"I know this is regretful and that the Algoma medical community is working hard to ensure patients' needs are met."
