Mass General Brigham Salem Hospital is currently facing a class-action lawsuit after potentially hundreds of patients may have been exposed to HIV or hepatitis. The lawsuit targets Mass General Brigham, Salem Hospital, and ten hospital employees, alleging negligence in the administration of intravenous medications during endoscopy procedures from June 2021 to April of this year.

According to the hospital, the risk of infection is deemed to be very low, and thus far, no infections have been identified among the affected patients. The hospital became aware of the isolated practice involving endoscopy patients earlier this year. Endoscopic procedures encompass a range of medical interventions such as colonoscopies and gastrointestinal ultrasounds.

Upon notification, the hospital promptly corrected the practice and alerted its quality and infection control teams. In response, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health conducted an onsite investigation at Salem Hospital. Collaboratively, the Department's Bureau of Health Care Safety and Quality and the Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences are working alongside Mass General Brigham's infection control team to manage the situation.

Both the Department of Public Health and Salem Hospital have emphasized that the risk of infection for patients is extremely small, and no evidence of infections resulting from the exposures has been reported thus far. Salem Hospital has taken the necessary steps to ensure the wellbeing of potentially exposed patients by offering testing for HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. A spokesperson for the hospital stated that all affected patients have been notified, and 90% of them have either completed, scheduled, or declined the offered free testing.

Patients who have not received notification from the hospital need not be concerned, as stated by the Mass General Brigham spokesperson. The investigation and collaboration between regulatory authorities and the hospital's infection control team seek to address and manage the situation effectively, thereby ensuring the safety and health of all patients involved.