Shock and anger amongst family members are following the news that Veterans Administration patients might have been exposed to hepatitis and HIV viruses through the re-use of insulin pens.
Western New York Congressman Chris Collins is urging all patients at risk to get tested. He is also urging the hospital to review its practices to eliminate such a mistake being repeated.
More than 700 patients may have been exposed to the viruses at Buffalo's VA Medical Center on Bailey Avenue.
Administrators claim that the possibility of transmission of the viruses is low, but the hospital is planning to contact all patients who are at risk. One wife of a VA patient is outraged, telling the Buffalo News the patients should have been notified first.
The flaw that allowed the problem to arise has been identified and is being rectified.
The VA is not divulging the names of any of those at risk. A call center is being established to handle questions from concerned patients.
