Shocking Lawsuit Filed by Portland Woman

In a startling turn of events, a woman from the Portland area has filed a shocking $4 million lawsuit against Providence Health & Services and the Oregon Anesthesiology Group. She alleges that an anesthesiologist infected her with the potentially deadly Hepatitis C virus during a hand surgery he performed in 2021. The lawsuit highlights serious concerns about safety protocols in the medical community as she joins over 2,400 other patients who were notified last summer of potential exposure to life-threatening infections like HIV and Hepatitis due to significant lapses in infection control measures.

The Impact of the Exposure Notification

The woman, referred to as K.S. in her lawsuit, expressed her disbelief upon receiving the notification letter from Providence last July. "I was kind of shocked," she revealed. "I thought it was a fake letter." However, after receiving a second letter, she chose to get tested and found out that she did, indeed, contract Hepatitis C—a virus mainly transmitted through contact with infected blood. Disturbingly, K.S. indicated that her only known exposure to the virus occurred during the surgery, as she had not engaged in any other risky behaviors.

Legal and Medical Support

With the help of an infectious disease specialist, her legal team claims it is highly likely that she contracted the virus during the operation. The woman shared her experience, expressing her confidence in the safety of medical procedures: "I go in there and lay on a gurney, and someone comes and knocks you out. I never thought anything would happen."

Struggles with Treatment and Communication

In a bid to combat the virus, she has recently started an eight-week regimen of antiviral medication, which Providence has reportedly agreed to cover. However, she has faced frustrating delays in receiving this critical treatment, leaving her anxious about the potential for permanent liver damage.

Lack of Transparency and Class Action Lawsuit

Adding to her distress, K.S. has been left in the dark regarding the investigation into the hospital's practices surrounding her case. Her attorney, Michael Fuller, noted that Providence has been evasive in providing answers, stating, "They’re being very vague."

The situation worsened when six other patients filed a federal lawsuit seeking class action status last summer for the emotional distress they endured while waiting for test results, although none of the plaintiffs were confirmed to have acquired infections. This earlier case was dismissed in December, with court records revealing no clear reason for the dismissal.

Details About Anesthesiologist and Ongoing Investigations

Central to this troubling case is anesthesiologist Stephen Carl Swank, who, according to medical records, administered anesthesia during K.S.’s surgery. Records from the Oregon Medical Board indicate Swank had amassed almost a decade of experience, but he voluntarily withdrew from practice as an investigation into his medical competencies remains open.

Patient Notification and Safety Measures

Providence Health and Legacy Health have been noted to inform patients of potential exposure across three hospitals, with estimates suggesting that over 2,200 individuals may have been affected at Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center alone.

Conclusion: Trust in the Medical Community at Stake

As investigations continue and concerns about medical safety protocols escalate, K.S. and many others wait anxiously for answers and accountability. This troubling case raises essential questions about patient safety in healthcare institutions and whether enough measures are being taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Stay tuned as this story develops—could this scandal shake the foundations of trust in the medical community?