Oregon Law Firm Investigates Over 50 Infections Allegedly Linked to Medford Hospital

In the heart of Medford, Oregon, a crisis unfolds at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center, a place meant to be a sanctuary of healing. A local law firm, Schlesinger & deVilleneuve, is meticulously piecing together cases of infections allegedly contracted within the hospital's walls, with a staggering 34 of these involving claims of wrongful death. This scenario is not just a story of potential medical oversight but a chilling narrative of how a nurse's alleged act of replacing medication with tap water is believed to have led to severe infections and, tragically, multiple deaths.

A Disturbing Discovery

The law firm's investigation, currently reviewing 58 cases, is shedding light on a disturbing series of events. According to David deVilleneuve, a representative of the firm, these infections are closely linked to the actions of a nurse, who is alleged to have stolen fentanyl from IV bags, substituting it with unsterile tap water. This action is not only a breach of trust but a grave risk to patient safety, potentially leading to systemic infections in vulnerable patients.

The Legal and Medical Fallout

The ramifications of these allegations are far-reaching. A lawsuit filed on February 26 seeks $11.5 million in damages for the estate of Horace E. Wilson, a 65-year-old patient whose death is at the center of this controversy. Represented by lawyer Justin Idiart, Wilson's case alleges that the nurse's action of drug diversion directly resulted in a fatal infection. This lawsuit is among the first to shine a spotlight on a series of potential crimes against patients, involving the theft of controlled substances and the catastrophic consequences of such actions.

Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center finds itself in a storm of scrutiny. The hospital has reported an increase in central line-associated bloodstream infections from three to 15 cases between 2021 and 2022. While the hospital has taken steps to collaborate with law enforcement and reach out to affected patients, advising tests for hepatitis and HIV, the community's trust is shaken. Medford police, actively investigating the claims, are sifting through thousands of documents to uncover the extent of the issue.

A Community Awaits Answers

As this investigation unfolds, the community of Medford and beyond watches closely. The allegations of medication theft and the resulting adverse patient care cast a long shadow over Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center. The hospital, in its mission to heal, now faces the daunting task of restoring faith in its practices and ensuring such breaches of safety and trust are never repeated.

The legal outcomes of these cases will likely set precedents for how health care facilities manage and monitor controlled substances, emphasizing the critical need for stringent safety protocols. For the families affected, justice and accountability are at the forefront of their minds, but so too is the hope that their experiences will lead to systemic changes, preventing future tragedies.