Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyers

We posted yesterday in regards to a nurse at Broward General Medical Center who had reused medical supplies that were only designed to be used once, and how that conduct may have exposed more than 1,800 people to dangerous medical conditions. An update to the story was published today, and the essence of the news is that the police are now getting involved with the case given the possibility that crimes were committed.

According to the Sun-Sentinel:

“Fort Lauderdale police are investigating a veteran registered nurse who her employers say knowingly violated infection-control procedures at Broward General Medical Center, potentially exposing more than 1,800 patients to blood-borne diseases such as HIV, and hepatitis B and C.

Police spokesman Sgt. Frank Sousa said the hospital asked for an investigation of Qui Lan, 59, who Broward General officials last month discovered was reusing catheter tubing and saline bags designed for one-time patient use during cardiac chemical stress tests. No charges have been filed and, as of Tuesday, police had not identified any victims, Sousa said.

Hospital investigators, who questioned Lan after an anonymous report tipped them to her alleged actions, said the nurse told them she was aware she shouldn’t reuse the supplies, which deliver a saline solution intravenously to keep veins open during the stress test.

“But we still don’t know why she chose to do this,” Alice Taylor, chief operating officer of Broward General Medical Center, said Tuesday. “This is flagrant disregard of basic nursing principles.”

It seems somewhat confusing as to how the hospital does not yet know why this was done. Regardless, it is also possible that the medical facility along with the nurse could face civil liability on several fronts. If you have been harmed as a result of an error made by a medical care provider, you need the help of a Fort Lauderdale professional negligence lawyer who understands how to work through complicated liability questions and to hold those responsible for injuries accountable. Contact Bernstein & Maryanoff today to schedule a free initial consultation.