Buffalo VA Patients Possibly Exposed To HIV, Other Diseases
By: WROC-TV
Updated: January 14, 2013
The Buffalo VA hospital is offering free blood tests to some of its diabetic patients after some may have been exposed to HIV or Hepatitis B and C.
During an inspection last year, it was discovered that the VA hospital may have used the same insulin pen on more than one patient. More than 700 veterans could have been exposed. The hospital says that pen needles were always changed, but that each insulin pen was meant only for individual use. The hospital released a statement saying in part, "once this was identified, immediate action was taken to ensure the insulin pens were labeled and only used according to pharmaceutical guidelines."
Congressman Chris Collins, who represents Erie County, said he will be holding the VA accountable for its actions.
During an inspection last year, it was discovered that the VA hospital may have used the same insulin pen on more than one patient. More than 700 veterans could have been exposed. The hospital says that pen needles were always changed, but that each insulin pen was meant only for individual use. The hospital released a statement saying in part, "once this was identified, immediate action was taken to ensure the insulin pens were labeled and only used according to pharmaceutical guidelines."
Congressman Chris Collins, who represents Erie County, said he will be holding the VA accountable for its actions.
