Mass General Brigham and Salem Hospital Face Class Action Lawsuit Over Potential Hepatitis and HIV Exposure
Mass General Brigham and Salem Hospital face a class action lawsuit over potential hepatitis and HIV exposure to hundreds of patients. The lawsuit alleges negligence and emotional distress, with the hospital claiming a minimal infection risk.
Risk exposure sign.
(Adobe Stock 2839632 by Artur)
Massachusetts General Brigham and its facility, Salem Hospital, are facing a class action lawsuit after hundreds of patients were potentially exposed to hepatitis and HIV during routine care. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of endoscopy patient Melinda Cashman, who was among the up to 450 patients that may have been exposed to the viruses between June 2021 and April 2023.
While there is no evidence that any infections resulted from the exposures, Cashman's lawyers alleged the health system acted negligently, leading to her suffering "extreme anxiety and emotional distress and decreased quality of life."
Salem Hospital in Massachusetts sent out warning letters to 450 endoscopy patients last week, informing them of possible exposure to HIV and hepatitis due to incorrectly administered IVs. Following this, a class-action lawsuit has been initiated against the hospital, as well as Mass General Brigham, headquartered in Somerville, Massachusetts, and involving 10 hospital employees, as reported by USA Today on November 20.
The hospital notified possibly impacted patients earlier this month after the facility was made aware earlier this year of an "isolated practice" that could have led to viral transmission. Massachusetts General Brigham stated, "Once identified, the practice was immediately corrected, and the hospital’s quality and infection control teams were notified." Patients were potentially exposed after intravenous medication was administered "in a manner not consistent with our best practice."
In the lawsuit filed in Suffolk County Superior Court, Cashman's attorneys seek monetary damages for the health system's negligence, claiming that their client and patients like her sustained "severe and permanent emotional distress" as a result of the incident. They argue that she and others impacted may experience disruptions to relationships, increased medical bills, and a new need for significant mental health treatment.
Massachusetts General Brigham is also working with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, which will conduct an onsite investigation into Salem’s quality control practices. Potentially impacted patients can call a clinician-staffed hotline with questions and receive free screening for the viruses.
Salem Hospital said in a statement that the infection risk is "extremely small," and so far, no infections have been reported.
The lawsuit is seeking a jury trial.
A spokesperson from Massachusetts General Brigham informed the AP that they are conducting standard tests for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV in response to the potential exposure incident.
Newsletter
Stay prepared and protected with Infection Control Today's newsletter, delivering essential updates, best practices, and expert insights for infection preventionists.
Reducing Hidden Risks: Why Sharps Injuries Still Go Unreported
July 18th 2025Despite being a well-known occupational hazard, sharps injuries continue to occur in health care facilities and are often underreported, underestimated, and inadequately addressed. A recent interview with sharps safety advocate Amanda Heitman, BSN, RN, CNOR, a perioperative educational consultant, reveals why change is overdue and what new tools and guidance can help.
New Study Explores Oral Vancomycin to Prevent C difficile Recurrence, But Questions Remain
July 17th 2025A new clinical trial explores the use of low-dose oral vancomycin to prevent Clostridioides difficile recurrence in high-risk patients taking antibiotics. While the data suggest a possible benefit, the findings stop short of statistical significance and raise red flags about vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), underscoring the delicate balance between prevention and antimicrobial stewardship.
What Lies Beneath: Why Borescopes Are Essential for Verifying Surgical Instrument Cleanliness
July 16th 2025Despite their smooth, polished exteriors, surgical instruments often harbor dangerous contaminants deep inside their lumens. At the HSPA25 and APIC25 conferences, Cori L. Ofstead, MSPH, and her colleagues revealed why borescopes are an indispensable tool for sterile processing teams, offering the only reliable way to verify internal cleanliness and improve sterile processing effectiveness to prevent patient harm.
The Next Frontier in Infection Control: AI-Driven Operating Rooms
Published: July 15th 2025 | Updated: July 15th 2025Discover how AI-powered sensors, smart surveillance, and advanced analytics are revolutionizing infection prevention in the OR. Herman DeBoard, PhD, discusses how these technologies safeguard sterile fields, reduce SSIs, and help hospitals balance operational efficiency with patient safety.
Targeting Uncertainty: Why Pregnancy May Be the Best Time to Build Vaccine Confidence
July 15th 2025New national survey data reveal high uncertainty among pregnant individuals—especially first-time parents—about vaccinating their future children, underscoring the value of proactive engagement to strengthen infection prevention.
