Plantation, Fla., Oct. 8, 2009: Broward County, Florida medical malpractice attorneys Jason Chalik and Debi Chalik are offering free consultations to patients who may have been unknowingly exposed to blood diseases at Broward General Medical Center.

The Associated Press reports that Fort Lauderdale, Florida police are investigating a report from the hospital that a former nurse may have been reusing IV medical equipment on patients undergoing a chemical cardiac stress test, from Jan. '04 - Sept '09. This type of pharmaceutical stress test, which is administered intravenously, is given to patients who can't undergo the routine treadmill stress test.

According to news reports, Broward General Medical Center discovered that Qui Lan, a registered nurse, age 59, was reusing saline bags and catheter tubing during the tests. The materials are designed for one-time use, which is standard nursing and medical practice.

The hospital, which is asking 1,851 patients to come in for screening, stated that risks of contracting disease is low, as the nurse allegedly only re-used a portion of tubing. The AP reports that the hospital's infectious diseases director, Dr. David Droller, stated, "We cannot say the risk is zero."

There is some concern that patients could have been exposed to diseases if any disease-carrying blood or fluids from the reused bags or IV tubes made contact with patients. Nurse Lan was suspended on Sept. 8 and resigned the following day. Police are investigating whether any criminal negligence has occurred.

Attorneys Jason and Debi Chalik are experienced in working with families and individuals concerned about whether they have a Florida medical negligence case. They welcome calls from patients concerned about their exposure to diseases during the timeframe under investigation at Broward General Medical Center. Call 888-539-5297.

Broward General Medical Center released a statement on its website:
http://www.browardhealth.org/patientnotice

For more information, contact:
Attorney Jason Chalik or Attorney Debi Chalik at 954-476-1000, or email us here.

See our Verdicts & Settlements page for examples of cases and awards we've won for our clients. Let our family fight for your family. If you think you may have a case or claim, please contact us today to talk about your rights.

Attorneys Jason and Debi Chalik serve the people of Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, West Palm Beach, Miami, and surrounding Florida communities.

Law Offices of Chalik & Chalik, 10063 NW 1st Ct., Plantation, Florida 33324
Phone: 954-476-1000 or toll-free 888-539-5297
Website: http://www.chaliklaw.com/