News that a Fergus clinic used improper sterilization procedures on specialized equipment caused some alarm around town earlier this week.
People generally place great faith in the medical community and occasions like this rock that confidence. The reaction to this News was understandable.
After an investigation prompted by a complaint from a patient, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health medical officer of health Dr. Nicola Mercer assured patients that Riverview Medical Group (upper level) is now following proper sterilization procedures.
While that assurance is welcome, the approximately 1,200 women now being encouraged to seek tests for HIV and hepatitis B and C, will understandably be curious why proper procedures weren’t followed in the first place.
The onus is on medical professionals to keep patients safe from harm. One could view it as a covenant of sorts, particularly when it involves such very personal health issues.
According to Dr. Mercer, regulated health care professionals fall under a different inspection regimen, than say a restaurant or other public venue. Unless an official complaint is raised, her staff has no authority to drop in and check things out. This seems wrong to us and feeds into mythology on the street that doctors, like other self-regulated professionals, are somehow above the law. The simple fact is any advice or inspection that would have avoided this circumstance should have been welcomed by a doctor’s office.
It would be a shame if turf pounding stood in the way of health unit personnel making objective inspections for the sake of public health.
Most workplaces in Ontario for example are currently open for inspection at any time by Ministry of Labour inspectors. While those inspectors do lay orders in egregious cases, often they will recommend and advise on best practices.
It is to be hoped that Dr. Mercer or the public health board can get some traction and be allowed to perform constructive inspections of clinics. After all, the goal of any of these programs is to keep the public safe.
Women impacted by this News are encouraged to seek the requisite tests and set their mind at ease. With luck, all will be well.
