Patients of Long Island Doctor Who Reused Syringes Were Treated in Private Office, Not at Plainview Hospital
November 14, 2007
The North Shore-LIJ Health System issued the following statement today regarding Harvey Finkelstein, MD, the physician whose infection control standards were called into question following the infection of two patients with hepatitis C:
“Dr. Finkelstein practices at a private office in Plainview called Pain Care of Long Island, which is NOT affiliated with or overseen by the North Shore-LIJ Health System. While he does have admitting privileges at North Shore-LIJ’s Plainview Hospital, he does NOT work for the hospital or the health system.
“Based on information the North Shore-LIJ Health System has received to date, all of the patients who were sent letters by the state Department of Health were treated in Dr. Finkelstein’s private office, NOT at the hospital.
“The reuse of syringes would not be allowed to occur at a North Shore-LIJ hospital. Staff are trained to adhere to a strict standard of practice, which requires the single-patient use of needles and syringes – and their immediate disposal afterwards.”
Patients who had procedures performed by Dr. Finkelstein and are concerned about transmission of infectious diseases should contact the New York State Department of Health hotline at: 1-800-278-2965, which is answered from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.”
Media Contact: Terry Lynam 516-465-2600/2640 Cell: 516-316-2389
“Dr. Finkelstein practices at a private office in Plainview called Pain Care of Long Island, which is NOT affiliated with or overseen by the North Shore-LIJ Health System. While he does have admitting privileges at North Shore-LIJ’s Plainview Hospital, he does NOT work for the hospital or the health system.
“Based on information the North Shore-LIJ Health System has received to date, all of the patients who were sent letters by the state Department of Health were treated in Dr. Finkelstein’s private office, NOT at the hospital.
“The reuse of syringes would not be allowed to occur at a North Shore-LIJ hospital. Staff are trained to adhere to a strict standard of practice, which requires the single-patient use of needles and syringes – and their immediate disposal afterwards.”
Patients who had procedures performed by Dr. Finkelstein and are concerned about transmission of infectious diseases should contact the New York State Department of Health hotline at: 1-800-278-2965, which is answered from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.”
Media Contact: Terry Lynam 516-465-2600/2640 Cell: 516-316-2389