Over 3,000 Patients Warned Of Potential HIV, Hepatitis Exposure

SADDLE BROOK, NJ — (12-26-18) — According to the New Jersey Department of Health, more than 3,000 patients of an outpatient New Jersey hospital, have been notified that they may have been exposed to hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.

The patients received care at HealthPlus Surgery Center located at 190 Midland Ave in Saddle Brook, between January and Sept. 7, said the New Jersey Department of Health.

“Although the risk of infection is low, out of an abundance of caution, HealthPlus Surgery Center and the New Jersey Department of Health recommend patients get blood tests for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV,” said Deputy Director of Communications Dawn Thomas of the New Jersey Department of Health.

HealthPlus Surgery Center was closed from Sept. 7 through Sept. 28 following the alarming breaches. The facility’s instruments have all been sanitized and/or repaired. The facility’s infection control and medication dispensing procedures have also been improved. The HealthPlus Surgery Center has also brought in new personnel with proper training.

As of Wednesday Dec. 26, there are no known illnesses that have resulted from the infection control issues from the HealthPlus Surgery Center.

Deputy Director of Communications Dawn Thomas is asking anyone who was affected can call 1+888-507-0578. HealthPlus Surgery Center says that they will cover the cost for affected patients to be tested.

Article by: Paul Goldberg, Staff Writer