Concerned about HIV, hepatitis exposure at local hospitals? Here's what to do

Northwest Hospital and Medical Center in Seattle notified more than 1,300 patients on Tuesday that they may have been exposed to hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.

Late Wednesday morning, KIRO 7 News learned that the former surgical technician who is accused of tampering with narcotics in a way that could have exposed patients to diseases worked at three Western Washington medical facilities, according to the Washington Department of Health.

Rocky Allen worked at Northwest Hospital for a short time in early 2012, but was fired. 
 
State health officials immediately suspended the credentials of Allen on Feb. 29 after learning his credential was suspended in the state of Colorado for allegations that he removed a syringe labeled fentanyl, replaced it with another syringe, and tested positive for fentanyl and marijuana.
 
Though there was no evidence of any patient exposure, and the risk is thought to be very low; both Northwest Hospital and Lakewood Surgery Center have notified patients who had surgery during Allen's employment and recommended that they be tested for blood-borne pathogens.

If you are concerned about the exposure, you should call the hospitals.

Anyone who had surgery during the time period from Dec. 30, 2011 until March 9, 2012  at Northwest Hospital and Medical Center are encouraged to call the Northwest Hospital hotline at 206-368-1002 or toll free at 1-800-695-0654 to receive more information about how they may access free testing.

Approximately 135 patients who had surgery at Lakewood Surgery Center between Oct. 27, 2011 and Dec. 1, 2011 are being notified of the potential for exposure. If you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to call 206-605-2601.

Allen was a Navy Hospital Corpsman at the Bremerton Navy Hospital from 2008-2011. A spokesman says he was not involved in operating rooms during his time there and had no access to controlled substances. That is why Navy is not asking patients to be tested. If you still want to call the hospital, the hospital's number is 360-475-4232.

Cox Media Group