The son of Cherokee Nation's principal chief resigned from his nursing position at Tahlequah, Okla.-based W.W. Hastings Hospital last month after allegedly reusing a syringe and potentially exposing more than 180 patients to hepatitis C and HIV, according to ABC 8 Tulsa.
Here are five things to know:
1. John Baker, RN, reportedly used the same vial of medication and syringe to inject more than one patient's IV bag, a spokesperson for Cherokee Nation Health Services, which operates the hospital, told the Cherokee Phoenix earlier this month.
2. W.W. Hastings Hospital CEO Brian Hail, RN, was informed of the infection control lapse April 29, according to the report. Following an initial review, officials determined Mr. Baker had been involved in the incident and subsequently reported him to the Oklahoma Board of Nursing. Mr. Baker resigned from the hospital May 1 and is no longer employed at Cherokee Nation or any of its entities, the report states.
3. In a statement obtained by ABC 8 Tulsa, Mr. Baker apologized to the affected patients and their families.
"When I understood that I may not have been following proper procedures, I immediately began working with healthcare professionals to identify any mistakes that may have been made and cooperated in every possible way and then I resigned. I love caring for patients and would never knowingly put anyone at risk. ... As a follower of Jesus Christ, I believe that God offers us all grace and forgiveness and can redeem any situation for the good. God has certainly used this to teach me more humility. I have faith that God will use this situation to improve the care at Cherokee Health systems. Even though the chances of anyone ever being medically impacted by this are extremely remote, I've earnestly prayed night after night for all involved; I pray God's best for you all," Mr. Baker said.
4. Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker has commissioned a panel to review the incident and improve medication procedures at the tribe's healthcare facilities. The panel will be led by Charles W. Grim, DDS, executive director of Cherokee Nation Health Services and the former director of the U.S. Indian Health Service. The elder Mr. Baker recused himself from the investigation.
5. The hospital is testing the more than 180 patients for possible exposure to HIV or hepatitis C. Mr. Hail said it is unlikely patients contracted any blood-borne pathogens, but recommended patients who were treated at the hospital between January and April of this year undergo testing, according to the report.
To access the full report, click here.