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Baptist Health to Staff: Instruments are Sterile

Baptist Health to Staff: Instruments are Sterile
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By West Kentucky Star Staff
Feb. 11, 2016 | PADUCAH, KY
By West Kentucky Star Staff Feb. 11, 2016 | 04:46 PM | PADUCAH, KY
The president of Baptist Health Paducah has assured employees that surgical instruments are sterile and protocols at the hospital are being followed.

West Kentucky Star checked on a rumor last week that inspectors were at the hospital, and got a response saying that the safety of staff, patients and visitors is a priority. They said that policies and procedures are in place to ensure safety, and that they also don't tolerate threatening language or behavior.

The statement did not address specific questions about inspections.

Our inquiry came after Dr. Ted Jefferson's claims that his angry outburst on Jan. 26 was due to surgical instruments being unsuitable for use. According to a police report, Jefferson reportedly told surgical employees and administrators that he was considering bringing an assault rifle to the hospital, and was later suspended.

In a letter emailed to employees this week, Baptist Health President William A. Brown referred to the Jefferson incident, repeating that any threats would continue to be taken seriously. Brown said proper protocols were followed in dealing with the doctor, and "patient safety was not affected." He said that was confirmed by a visit last week from the Office of the Inspector General's Division of Health Care, who notified the hospital that Dr. Jefferson's complaint was unsubstantiated. The letter also mentioned media coverage the incident has received, and that it is now in the hands of the court system.

Brown's letter stated that the hospital won't comment on legal matters, and thanked employees for remaining focused on providing healthcare to the community.

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