If you, a family member, co-worker or friend has had surgery at Swedish Medical Center and are you worried that you or they may be infected with HIV or hepatitis B or hepatitis C? Swedish Medical Center has advised nearly 3,000 patients who had surgery between August 17, 2015 and January 22, 2016 to be tested for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
After he was observed stealing a Fentanyl syringe meant for a patient, former Swedish Medical Center surgical technician, Rocky Allen was fired. At that time he was given a urinalysis and tested positive for marijuana and fentanyl. His license has been revoked and Allen is now facing federal charges. He is accused of tampering with a consumer product and obtaining a controlled substance by deceit and subterfuge. He is also accused of “reckless disregard for the risk that another person will be placed in danger of bodily injury, and under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to such risk.” Allen
There is the possibility that Allen may be infected with blood borne pathogens such as HIV and hepatitis B or hepatitis C. But at this time, health officials are not disclosing Allen’s health status. Allen’s medical and health records are protected by the HIPAA privacy rule. Allen has a lengthy history of stealing this powerful narcotic at several other hospitals prior to his employment at Swedish Medical Center, located in Englewood, Colorado. Currently, there is no federal requirement for surgical technician registration. Colorado is one of only 37 states that require registration. But background checks are not required as part of this registration process. Nor are there education requirements or checks for surgical technicians.
If you’re worried that you could be infected with HIV or Hepatitis, contact the experienced Denver medical malpractice attorneys at the Bendinelli Law Firm immediately if you fear you’ve been infected. We understand and we can help.
