Patient sues Kaiser Permanente alleging infection linked to 2023 sterilization issue
Briefly

A former patient is suing Kaiser Permanente San Diego after a severe infection followed knee replacement surgery. The lawsuit cites sterilization lapses at Zion Medical Center, referencing issues with black and brown particles in instrument trays. Employees expressed concerns, with 70 signing a petition for a surgery halt. Kaiser maintains these particles are harmless and not infectious, caused by a malfunctioning water heater. They emphasize adherence to strict sterilization protocols to ensure patient safety. Issues originated in May 2023, with no confirmed resolution date.
Michael G. Ryan filed a lawsuit against Kaiser Permanente San Diego after developing a life-threatening infection post-knee replacement surgery, alleging lapses in sterilization at Zion Medical Center.
The lawsuit claims that the infection was a result of issues related to black and brown particles found in sterilized surgical instrument trays, which prompted 70 employees to petition for a halt in surgeries.
Kaiser Permanente maintains that the particles were harmless, attributing the issue to a malfunctioning water heater and asserting that sterilization protocols are strictly followed to ensure patient safety.
Despite ongoing concerns raised by hospital staff regarding the sterilization process, Kaiser stands firm in their position that patient care was safe and appropriate during the period of reported problems.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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