Lawsuit claiming improper sterilization filed against COS hospital
A state inspection of a Colorado Springs hospital has recently shown that patients have been at risk of infection because medical devices weren’t properly cleaned.
The inspection involved vaginal ultrasound probes, surgical instruments and procedure rooms at Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs.
The state discovered the violations in April and May.
Changes to sterilization practices were supposed to begin late last month.
A former Memorial Hospital ultrasound technician is now suing the hospital after she says she was fired for speaking up.
Her lawyer says there are problems with the hospital’s and the state’s plan to correct the problem.
“The biggest problem is the hospital never said they were going to tell the potential infected patients that they were potentially exposed to the risk of infection because these devices weren’t disinfected properly, said Gary Kramer, plaintiff’s lawyer.
In a statement, Memorial says they are not aware of any infections associated with improperly cleaned devices.
The hospital says it urges employees to “speak up for safety” and to anonymously report any concerns.
