A Royal Gwent Hospital treated 21 patients with improperly sterilized surgical instruments in late February, officials said, but failed to notify them for three weeks, prompting concern over potential exposure to bloodborne diseases.
Hospital Admits Sterilization Error, Launches Investigation
The incident occurred at Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport, Wales, where instruments were disinfected but not fully sterilized before use on Feb. 25 and Feb. 26, according to health officials.
Hospital staff identified the error on Feb. 27. However, affected patients were not informed until March 16, raising questions about communication protocols and patient safety.
In a statement, the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board said it is investigating how the lapse occurred and has implemented precautionary measures. Officials stressed that the risk of exposure to infections such as HIV or hepatitis is “extremely low.”
“We fully recognize the concern and distress this may cause, and we are truly sorry,” a spokesperson said. “The well-being of our patients is our highest priority.”
Patients Face Ongoing Testing, Families Voice Concern
Among those affected is a 15-year-old boy who must undergo follow-up testing over the next six months to confirm he has not contracted any bloodborne illness, his parents said.
The delay in notification has caused distress for families, who say they were left unaware of potential risks during that period.
“I couldn’t process it,” said the boy’s mother, Karen. “I was thinking, ‘How do I tell my son this?’ This is not something a 15-year-old should have to worry about.”
Her partner, Lee, 47, accused the Royal Gwent Hospital of withholding information. “They knew about this weeks ago, and we feel they tried to cover it up,” he said.
Health experts note that improperly sterilized tools can transmit infections, although such cases are rare when instruments are disinfected.
Officials Emphasize Low Risk, Promise Accountability
The health board said all affected patients have been contacted and offered testing as a precaution. It described the incident as isolated and said there is no broader risk to the public.
“This was a very limited incident, and there is no wider cause for concern,” the spokesperson said.
Still, families argue that earlier notification could have reduced anxiety and allowed patients to take precautions sooner.
“Human error happens, but this is about transparency,” Lee said. “They should have said, ‘We’ve made this mistake, and we own it.’”
Hospital officials said they are reviewing procedures to prevent similar incidents and ensure timely communication in the future.
