April 5, 2018
Updated statement from Dr. Larry Wolk, executive director and chief medical officer, regarding an infection control breach at Porter Adventist Hospital
Based on information received after April 4, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is updating its statement regarding infection control processes at Porter Adventist Hospital.
The department conducted an additional on-site survey of infection-control practices at the hospital April 5, after receiving new information about inadequately cleaned surgical equipment.
Previously the department reported that patients who had orthopedic and spinal surgeries at Porter during an 18-month period between July 2016 and February 2018 may be at risk of surgical site infections or bloodborne diseases. At this time, the state health department is investigating whether additional patients may be at risk. The risk of harm from this incident continues to be unknown, but it is thought to be low.
Because the investigation is ongoing, the department cannot comment further at this time. Porter Adventist Hospital voluntarily cancelled most surgeries scheduled for April 5 and 6.
Porter has established a hotline for patient questions. The phone number is 303-778-5694.
The public can call the Colorado Health Emergency Line for Public Information (COHELP) at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911 for general questions about surgical site infections, HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. COHELP hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The public also can email COHELP at COHELP@rmpdc.org