Providence Care has confirmed that it and the Kingston, Ontario, Canada police department are investigating the theft of Dilaudid from St. Mary’s of the Lake Hospital.
In June, Providence Care learned that a nurse with access to narcotics stored on a palliative care unit removed hydromorphone, which is a drug used to treat pain. The thefts may have taken place for two and a half years.
The organization says some patients may have received a reduced dose of hydromorphone. Providence Care says patients who were receiving intermittent doses of the pain medication would not have had the same pain relief effect but that a nurse or physician would have noticed, or the patient would have complained.
“Providence Care has taken immediate action to ensure that medications on all units in the hospital are secure,” the company said in a statement. “We have reviewed the narcotic supply on each unit to ensure patients are receiving safe and appropriate medication.”
The nurse accused of the thefts is no longer working at the hospital.
Patients and family members who have questions or concerns about this matter can call the toll-free hotline 1-844-849-9166.
Photo Wikimedia, Biggishben
