Toronto Gynecology Bloodborne Infection Exposure
Toronto Gynecology Clinic Warns Patients of Potential Infection Risk
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Approximately 2,500 patients of a Toronto gynecology office are being warned about a potential exposure to bloodborne infections due to the ”improper cleaning” of medical instruments. This alert has raised concerns about patient safety and the importance of proper sterilization protocols in healthcare settings.
Public Health Alert issued
Toronto Public Health (TPH) sent letters to patients of Dr. Esther Park’s clinic, located near Bloor and Dundas streets, on February 12. The letters were specifically issued to patients who underwent ”specific procedures” between October 10, 2020, and October 10, 2024. Associate Medical Officer of Health Dr. Herveen Sachdeva provided a statement emphasizing the importance of the notification.
According to dr. Sachdeva:
The improper cleaning, disinfection or sterilization of medical instruments may result in a vrey small chance for bacteria and viruses being passed from one person to another. Certain bloodborne infections, such as hepatitis B and hepatitis C can be passed through the reuse of improperly cleaned instruments.
Dr.Herveen Sachdeva,Associate Medical Officer of Health
While public health officials believe the risk of transmission to be “very low,” they chose to share the information as a “precaution.”
recommended actions for Affected Patients
Toronto Public Health is advising,”affected individuals consult with their healthcare provider for appropriate testing.” This proposal aims to ensure that any potential infections are detected and managed promptly.
College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) Inquiry
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) has confirmed a previous investigation into Dr. Park related to the ”care of a patient.” The CPSO’s register indicates that Dr. Park’s medical license has been restricted as December 2024.
The CPSO’s website states that dr. Park has agreed to limit her practice to office-based gynecology.
Dr. Park will engage in professional education in the differential diagnosis and management of endometrial thickening in the asymptomatic post-menopausal patient,and medical record-keeping.
Dr. Park previously worked at Unity Health.Though, a hospital network spokesperson stated that she “has not been involved in any clinical work at St. Joseph’s (Health Center) as July 2024 and resigned from the hospital in Dec.2024.”
Patient experiences and Concerns
A copy of the letter sent to patients mentioned three specific procedures:
- Insertion/removal of an IUD
- Endometrial biopsy
- Endocervical polyp excision
The letter also advised patients to discuss testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV with their doctors.
Zahra Baksh, one of the 2,500 patients who received the letter on February 12, shared her experience.She underwent an IUD procedure at the clinic, which she described as “extremely painful,” despite being told it would not be. Baksh expressed feeling scared and embarrassed after receiving the letter,admitting she didn’t tell anyone for two days.
It almost makes it seem like just a tiny little problem. And if this tiny little problem is causing me this much and 2,500 other women this much distress, how is she still operating?
Zahra Baksh, Former Patient
Clinic’s Response
multiple attempts to contact Dr. Park’s clinic have gone unanswered. The outgoing message on the clinic’s answering machine indicates that Dr. Park and her secretary are retiring and no longer accepting new patients. The clinic is scheduled to close in April.
Key Takeaways
- Approximately 2,500 patients of a Toronto gynecology clinic are at risk of bloodborne infections.
- Toronto Public Health recommends affected individuals seek testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV.
- The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario previously investigated Dr. Park, and her license is currently restricted.
- The clinic is set to close in April, with Dr. Park and her secretary retiring.
Toronto Gynecology Clinic infection Risk: Q&A for Patients
This article addresses the recent public health alert regarding a potential infection risk at a Toronto gynecology clinic and offers guidance for affected patients.
What is the situation at the Toronto gynecology clinic?
Approximately 2,500 patients of a gynecology clinic in Toronto are being warned of potential exposure to bloodborne infections due to improperly cleaned medical instruments. This has prompted a public health alert and raised significant concerns about patient safety.
Why were patients warned about infection risk?
Toronto Public Health (TPH) issued letters to patients of Dr. Esther Park’s clinic on February 12, 2025, because of concerns over the “improper cleaning” of medical instruments used during specific procedures between October 10, 2020, and October 10, 2024. The concern is that this could have led to the transmission of bloodborne infections.According to Associate Medical officer of Health Dr. Herveen Sachdeva, improperly cleaned instruments carry a “very small chance” of transmitting bacteria and viruses like hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
What infections are patients at risk for?
The letter from Toronto Public Health advised patients to discuss testing with their healthcare provider for the following bloodborne infections:
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis C
HIV
What should I do if I received a letter from Toronto Public Health?
If you received a letter from Toronto Public Health, it is indeed crucial to:
- Consult your healthcare provider: Schedule an appointment to discuss the potential risks and the need for testing.
- Undergo recommended testing: Follow your healthcare provider’s advice regarding testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV.
- Stay informed: Keep up-to-date with any further information or recommendations from Toronto Public Health.
Wich procedures are associated with the infection risk?
The procedures of concern mentioned in the letter to patients include:
Insertion/removal of an IUD (Intrauterine Device)
* Endometrial biopsy