The Endoscopy center now faces many lawsuits filed by patients who allege they were put at risk of contracting hepatitis B, C and HIV because of unsafe practices there.
Some patients asked how the medical staff could have been so negligent as to allow such violations to occur. Troy, from Las Vegas, wonders who can be trusted if doctors cannot? Other patients are concerned about how frequently they have to be tested for hepatitis B, C or HIV and how long it will take for them to show up in tests. Some say that, since receiving service at the endoscopy center, they have tested positive for hepatitis C and believe it was the result of negligence at the center.
Meanwhile, a former employee of the Endoscopy Center spoke with 13 Action News about her experiences. The employee, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, said employees knew that something would happen because of the unsafe practices at the center.Investigators and employees claim that staff at the center reused syringes and vials and did not properly disinfect surgical tools, putting patients at risk of hepatitis B, C and HIV. The employee says that some doctors at the center may not have realized that such unsanitary practices were in use. However, she admits that some patients complained about poor bedside manner, short visits, crowded waiting rooms and over-scheduling of patients. The employee says that the center was more concerned about money than patient safety.
Other employees at the clinic allege they were told to reuse syringes to save money. Two doctors have also come forward alleging they complained about problems at Dr. Dipak Desai's clinics. Desai ran the Endoscopy Center of Southern Nevada. The doctors say their complaints were not investigated and they were pressured to leave the state after making their allegations.
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Lawsuits are now being filed by patients at the endoscopy center, alleging unsanitary practices at the center put patients at risk of hepatitis B, C and HIV. In at least six cases, patients have tested positive for hepatitis C. The lawsuits accuse Desai, other doctors at his clinics, and state health officials of medical malpractice and negligence. So far, 50 lawsuits have been filed but many more are expected as patients receive their test results.Investigators believe the center may have been reusing syringes and medication vials for nearly four years. Some patients can have hepatitis C for years and not exhibit any symptoms. However, hepatitis C can cause liver failure, even if no other symptoms occur. If you received injections at the Endoscopy Center of Southern Nevada in the past four years, make sure you are tested for hepatitis B, C and HIV. Contact a lawyer to determine if you are eligible to join a class action suit.
