“If not for her actions, this horrible situation could have been even more tragic,” said the woman. She added that she finds it hard to believe she’s the only person to test positive for one of the blood-borne viruses that can result from an infection control lapse. “I would like to encourage patients who have not bothered to be tested, because the (GEPH) letter said the possibility was remote, to follow through and get tested. I’m very glad I did.” Following ministry requirements, GEPH only
conducts infection prevention and control investigations when there’s a complaint. The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario oversees professional standards and has said they are now looking into Chan’s practice. The health unit continues to refuse to say how many Chan patients received letters, how many went for blood tests or how many may have received confirmation they have hepatitis B, C, or HIV. But, in response to Expositor questions, it did confirm positive test results for those infections must be reported to them
and then an infectious diseases team takes on case and contact management for each.
hepatitis C, dental patient, GEPH, infection prevention and control, Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario, hepatitis B, HIV, Ontario health unit