A chilling alert has been issued by public health officials for patients who visited a walk-in clinic west of Toronto. They may have been unknowingly exposed to serious blood-borne infections due to the shocking use of unsterile needles over a span of more than six years!

The Halton Region Public Health uncovered a critical failure in infection control at the Halton Family Health Centre Walk-in Clinic. A notice released on Wednesday revealed that from January 1, 2019, to July 17, 2025, the clinic intermittently mishandled multidose vials, endangering countless patients.

These unsterile needles were used during various procedures, including local anesthesia for stitches, IUD insertions, skin biopsies, lump removals, and joint injections. This lack of adherence to safety protocols raises alarming concerns about potential cross-contamination and the transmission of harmful infections.

The public health unit is urging anyone who visited the clinic in that timeframe to get tested for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. While Halton Region’s medical officer of health, Dr. Deepika Lobo, reassures that the risk of transmission is considered low, it’s a precaution that desperate patients should not ignore.

This unsettling situation is a stark reminder of the importance of stringent health protocols in medical settings. Make sure to stay informed and protect yourself!