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Chan’s office was closed at the beginning of November last year after an inspection team from Grand Erie Public Health found a series of lapses in infection prevention and control (IPAC) in his office after being alerted to the situation by his receptionist.
“Former patients who have not yet been tested are encouraged to do so, as the information gathered through testing remains an important part of the ongoing public health investigation,” said a GEPH news release on Tuesday.
The health unit said there have been no confirmed cases of hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV linked to the dental clinic.
In May, The Expositor interviewed a woman who said she tested positive for hepatitis C and can see no other way she contracted the illness except through dental work at Chan’s clinic.
“We are asking former patients to take this precautionary step, not only for their own health awareness, but to help us gather the information needed to guide any further public health recommendations,” said Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jason Malenfant in the news release.
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“Our priority is to protect the health and well-being of our community through a careful, thorough investigation.”
Malenfant said the health unit appreciates those who have already completed the testing.
After the clinic closed on Nov. 3, it took about four months for the health unit to notify Chan’s former patients that, if they had dental work done in that clinic over the previous four years, they should be tested for blood-borne illnesses.
GEPH says only about half of those contacted have completed the blood tests.
Those who haven’t been tested are encouraged to go to www.geph.ca/recall to complete a questionnaire and print off a required medical requisition.
Then they can take to to their doctor or a walk-in clinic to talk about the test. Those without a printer should ask the doctor’s office to print the form.
Anyone without a primary caregiver can access the Primary Care Access Clinic at 226-388-4725 or through Virtual Urgent Care Clinic at www.urgentcareontario.ca.
GEPH asks that people not visit an emergency department seeking testing unless they have a medically necessary condition.
“While the overall risk of infection remains low and no additional public health recommendations have been made at this time, testing is an important part of the ongoing investigation,” said the news release.
SGamble@postmedia.com
@EXPSGamble
Source: Brantford Expositor
