Gyn Clinic Warns Women

Toronto Public Health Warns 2,500 Women of Potential Exposure to Blood-Borne Infections at Gynecology Clinic

By Marie O’Nealle

Toronto, Canada - Toronto Public Health (TPH) has issued a warning to approximately 2,500 women who may have been exposed to blood-borne infections due to improperly cleaned medical tools at a Toronto gynecology clinic. The affected clinic, operated by Dr. Esther Park in the High Park neighborhood, failed to follow proper sterilization procedures over a four-year period starting in October 2020.

In letters sent to women, health officials stated that the lapse in cleaning protocols created a "very small chance" of bacteria and viruses being transmitted between them. The potential infections include hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV.

One affected woman, Zahra Bakhsh, expressed shock and concern after receiving the letter. "It’s deeply unsettling to know that my health could have been put at risk in this way. I trusted this clinic for my care, and now I have to undergo testing for these serious infections."

TPH has urged all women who visited the clinic during the affected time period to undergo blood testing to rule out any potential exposure. The health authority is working closely with the clinic to ensure that sterilization procedures are now being properly followed and to prevent any further risk.

Public health experts stress that while the risk of infection is considered low, any breach in infection control is taken seriously. Women are encouraged to contact Toronto Public Health or their healthcare providers for further information and testing options.

This incident highlights the critical importance of strict adherence to infection control standards in medical facilities. Health officials continue to monitor the situation and are providing support to those affected.