Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, is joining a suit against a scope manufacturer tied to outbreaks, according to an article on the Seattle Times website.
The hospital was originally targeted in the suit by the widow of a superbug victim.
At least 39 people developed multidrug-resistant infections allegedly spread by dangerous bacteria that remained on specialized duodenoscopes even after they were cleaned according to manufacturers’ directions. At least 18 Virginia Mason patients affected by the outbreak have died.
Virginia Mason has since spent at least $1 million to implement a culture-and-quarantine protocol that tests cleaned scopes for dangerous bacteria and holds them until they’re safe to use.
Since implementing their test-and-hold protocol, no new infections have been detected.
Parking: Where the Outpatient Land Crunch Shows First
Clear Behavioral Health Opens New Outpatient Mental Health Center in Anaheim Hills
Bon Secours Begins Construction on Freestanding Emergency Department in Norfolk
The OR HVAC Puzzle: Why Individual Systems Are on the Rise
Skanska Completes Renovation of Specialized Care Facility for Sutter Health