The London Beat London, Ontario’s stream of consciousness
The Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) to issue a public statement today, due to a lapse in infection prevention and control (IPAC) practices at London’s ParaMed Flex Clinics. Clients of ParaMed Flex Clinics are encouraged to speak to their healthcare providers about the possible need for blood testing.
After receiving a complaint about a lack of cleanliness in clinical spaces, MLHU investigated practices at four ParaMed clinics in London. During that 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.
The practices which led to the IPAC lapse have been addressed, and there is no further risk of infection.
This was a “lapse in protocol only”, and no blood-borne infections have been diagnosed and linked to the ParaMed Flex Clinics.
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.
“Although the risk in this situation is not zero, it is very low,” said 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 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.
