"We will work to identify new tools that can help us continue to protect patient safety no matter where (patients) are receiving treatment. Ontarians have my commitment as minister that we will do whatever is necessary to protect the safety of patients," he said.
TPH told the Star 11 patients contracted the liver-damaging virus during three outbreaks over the last three years; three were infected at the Downsview Endoscopy Clinic on Dec. 7, 2011, three at the North Scarborough Endoscopy Clinic on Oct. 17, 2012, and five at the Finch Ave. W. site of the Ontario Endoscopy Clinic on March 15, 2013.
Nine of the 11 infected patients have gone on to develop chronic hepatitis C, meaning the virus has remained in their bodies, placing them at risk of serious, long-term problems, including cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer.
None of the clinics offered up anyone to be interviewed, but all three provided written statements. They all expressed concern for the health and recovery of the patients, said they co-operated fully with investigations and emphasized that they are committed to ensuring outbreaks never occur again.
The Downsview Endoscopy Clinic also said it no longer uses multi-dose vials.