More Patients Join Lawsuit Over Mold in Hospital

Since 2001, at least 14 young patients claim to have been infected by Aspergillus mold

By By Dan Hounsell


As hospitals nationwide struggle with the ongoing demands created by the COVID-19 pandemic, one Seattle hospital is fighting a separate, legal battle that involves the operation of its HVAC system.

Fifteen more patients have joined a class-action lawsuit against Seattle Children’s hospital alleging they were exposed. to Aspergillus mold, according to KING5. Since 2001, at least 14 young Seattle Children’s patients have been infected by Aspergillus mold, which is a common mold that can be problematic for people with weakened immune systems. Seven patients have died.

The complaint alleges that between 2000 and 2019, Seattle Children’s didn’t alert patients, doctors or the public that problems existed with its air handling system. It claims that even when patients got sick from Aspergillus, the hospital “concealed its culpability.”

Dangerous levels of mold forced the hospital to temporarily close its operating rooms in May 2019, and the hospital closed its main operating rooms again in November 2019 after mold was detected a second time. Routine air tests detected more mold in the hospitals operating rooms and an equipment storage room in May 2020.



March 10, 2021


Topic Area: HVAC


Recent Posts

The Future of Backup Power Systems in Healthcare Facilities

Manufacturers discuss what trends are shaping the future of backup power systems in healthcare.


Infection Control is Key to Ongoing Measles Outbreak

Infection control is essential to protecting both patients and staff from contracting measles.


Kaiser Permanente to Open New Parker Medical Offices

It also announced it's in the early stages of planning a rebuild and expansion of its Westminster Medical Offices.


Skanska Completes Renovation for New Sutter Health Care Center

The new facility will provide internal medicine, family medicine, pediatrics, as well as lab and imaging services.


Probiotic Cleaners: The Start of a Cleaning Revolution?

Advantages of probiotic cleaning include fewer resistant genes and cost savings through decreased antibiotic use.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.