A 26-year-old female resident in Northwestern’s medical training program has exposed hundreds of hospital patients and employees to tuberculosis, placing them all at risk of contracting the disease. The doctor-in-training has been on rotations at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Prentice Women’s Hospital, Children’s Memorial Hospital, and Evanston Hospital. Hundreds of patients have been placed at risk between November 2008 and April 2009.
It is still uncertain precisely how many people have been exposed to TB throughout the Chicago area hospitals, but at Children’s Memorial Hospital alone, approximately 150 children and 300 employees may be at risk. At the moment, no one exposed to the resident, including her family, has tested positive for TB.
Northwestern is currently contacting and evaluating many other patients who may have been affected due to receiving medical care from the resident.
Hospitals have an obligation to maintain a sterile environment in order to prevent the needless spread of dangerous diseases and infections to the many patients in their care. When hospitals fail to provide a safe environment for their patients, they are guilty of premises liability and must be held accountable for their actions.
It is important to consult an experienced premises liability attorney if you have developed a serious illness or condition from a hospital’s negligent upkeep of their facilities. You may be eligible to receive compensation for your damages.
If you have a premises liability claim in the Columbus, Ohio area, please contact the Law Offices of Robert W. Kerpsack Co., L.P.A. today to schedule a consultation.
