A lapse in infection prevention and control (IPAC) practices is prompting the Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) to issue a public call to clients of London’s ParaMed Flex Clinics to speak to their healthcare providers about the possible need for blood testing.
MLHU investigated practices at four ParaMed clinics in London after receiving a complaint about a lack of cleanliness in clinical spaces. During the investigation, public health inspectors found inadequate cleaning of critical devices used in wound care services. Wound care instruments were being re-used without sterilization or high-level disinfection between patients.
The practices which led to the IPAC lapse have been addressed and there is no further risk of infection. However, MLHU is advising that anyone who received wound care at ParaMed Flex Clinics between 2008 and July 27th, 2018, may be at risk for having acquired a blood-borne infection. Although the risk of such an infection is very low, the Health Unit requires that patients be notified and advised to consult their healthcare provider to discuss testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV, as a precaution. ParaMed will be advising all current and past patients of the risk by mail, starting today. Any patients seeking additional information may also call ParaMed directly at 1-888-746-5511.
Note: this is a lapse in protocol only, and no blood-borne infections have been diagnosed and linked to the ParaMed Flex Clinics. It may also be impossible to determine whether positive blood test results, if any, resulted from procedures performed at a particular location or if they are due to other exposures.
“Although the risk in this situation is not zero, it is very low,” says Dr. Alex Summers, Associate Medical Officer of Health with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “ParaMed has taken appropriate steps to protect patients going forward.”
ParaMed operates four clinics in London, located at 124 Barker Street, 148 Fullarton Street (Talbot Centre), 785 Wonderland Road South (Westmount Mall), and 1340 Huron Street (Kensington Village Long-Term Care Home).
Public Health conducts inspections and investigations of clinics and healthcare provider offices when complaints are received from the public.
Patients and healthcare providers seeking more information about this IPAC lapse are directed to MLHU’s website at: www.healthunit.com/ipac-lapse-paramed.
Media Contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit,
519-663-5317 ext.2469 or 519-617-0570 (cell)
Spokesperson:
Dr. Alex Summers, Associate Medical Officer of Health, Middlesex-London Health Unit