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Lapse at local dermatology clinic may have exposed patients to infection

Nurse no longer employed by Skin Clinique used ‘improper and outdated procedure’ to administer anesthesia 
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Sudbury dermatology clinic, Sudbury Skin Clinique, may have exposed patients to possible blood-borne infections when syringes were reused to withdraw additional doses of local anaesthetic from multi-dose vials for the same patient. The clinic is owned by Dr. Lyne Giroux (centre in lab coat). (Google image)

Patients who received injections at a medical dermatology clinic owned by Dr. Lyne Giroux may have been exposed to blood-borne infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus.

Giroux is the owner of Sudbury Skin Clinique, currently located on Pine Street in downtown Sudbury, but formerly located at 885 Regent St. The lapses in infection prevention and control occurred between June 21, 2006 and June 30, 2010, when the clinic was located on Regent Street, and between March 5, 2018 and Jan. 24, 2020, at the clinic’s Pine Street location.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts published an infection prevention and control lapse report on its website on May 22, stating patients who may have been affected have been notified already. Syringes were reused to withdraw additional doses of local anesthetic from multi-dose vials for the same patient.

This practice could result in contamination of the multi-dose vials with blood-borne pathogens, said the health unit. The multi-dose vials containing anesthetic could then be used to fill other syringes for use on other patients resulting in the risk of transmission of blood-borne pathogens.

“Due to this improper and outdated procedure, there is the potential for you to have been exposed to blood-borne infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV),” Giroux said in a letter to her patients that was published by Public Health. You can read the letter here.

She said when she discovered the improper practice, she notified the health unit.

“I understand that even with the potential for a risk, this news can be concerning. Your health and the health of all my patients is my greatest concern, and I am committed to supporting you through the follow-up. We are working very closely with Public Health Sudbury & Districts to ensure you have the information you need.”

Giroux said in the letter the health unit is not aware of any cases of hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV infection related to this improper infection control practice, and that there are no ongoing risks to patient safety. 

The nurse is no longer employed with the practice. All the multi-dose vials that were in use were removed and discarded as of Jan. 28, 2020.

“I have always strived to and will continue to maintain the highest standards of care in

my practice,” said Giroux. “I was dismayed to discover this unfortunate occurrence and will do all I can to support you.”

The board of health became aware of the issue March 12, 2020. It was linked to Dr. Lyne Giroux’s facilities on April 8, 2020.

Patients who decide they want a blood test done, or who are looking for more information or counselling, can call the health unit at 705-522-9200, or visit phsd.ca.


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