A nurse at Chesapeake Regional Medical Center was fired for reusing needleless syringes to administer IV drugs over almost two years’ time, and the hospital is notifying the nurse’s former patients.
“The employee acted in violation of training, hospital policy and regulatory standards and no longer works at CRMC,” a release said.
The hospital said it is taking steps to support those affected and prevent it from happening again.
There are no known cases of illness from the nurse’s actions, according to the hospital. The risk of infection is “extremely” low because no blood is exchanged when using needleless equipment. The hospital also has no direct information about the nurse reusing a syringe on any particular patient.
Out of caution, the hospital and the Virginia Department of Health recommend testing for bloodborne pathogens. The hospital is contacting all patients treated by the nurse in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit from July 24, 2023 to January 20, 2025.
Free testing will be offered to them through the end of July.
The nurse was investigated by the hospital, the Food and Drug Administration and other regulatory agencies.
It’s the second time this year Chesapeake Regional has had to address problems caused by former employees.
In January, federal prosecutors charged the hospital with fraud for its alleged role in allowing a former OBGYN doctor to bill insurance companies for unnecessary medical procedures.
