03.06.08
Las Vegas Health Crisis
The disturbing details surrounding Endoscopy Center of Southern Nevada is having a profound affect on people on many levels.
An investigation found nurses at the Las Vegas clinic reused syringes and contaminated vials of medication. An estimated 40,000 people may have been exposed to HIV and Hepatitis B and C. At least six people have already tested positive for Hepatitis C.
First, you have the patients who are learning of the negligence and possibility they could have been infected. I cannot imagine what kind of horror they are feeling as they anticipate the results of new blood tests.
Secondly, there are people who feel indirectly responsible for what is happening across the Las Vegas valley. One patient, who wishes to remain anonymous, tells the Las Vegas Review-Journal he had a colonoscopy at the center and is worried his blood could have infected others with Hepatitis C. He has lived with Hepatitis C since 2000.
No one should have to carry that burden. It’s not his fault.
And, not only do you have thousands of people concerned about their health, they also have no access to their medical records. A friend of mine who was a patient at Endoscopy cannot get his medical records because the clinic is closed and his doctor is unreachable. I am sure he is not the only one trying to figure out what to do next.
Lastly, as reported by the media yesterday, the closure of this clinic is bound to put a strain on the limited number of doctors who offer the services Endoscopy and five related clinics handled until they were forced to close.
All of this because some doctors allegedly wanted more bang for their buck. It’s pathetic and downright disgraceful what some people will do for money, even if it means playing Russian roulette with lives.
