MEDFORD, Oregon – A nurse at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Oregon is under investigation for allegedly swapping medication with tap water, leading to the death of approximately ten patients, NBC5 reported. According to anonymous sources, the nurse’s misuse of fentanyl, a pain medication, prompted the alleged switch.
The tap water, which is not sterile, resulted in Pseudomonas infections, hospital sources claimed. Dr. Robin Miller, host of NBC’s Docs on Call, emphasized the severity of such infections, stating that it could lead to sepsis, pneumonia, and organ failure.
The process of switching medications, referred to as “drug diversion,” is unfortunately common among medical professionals, with about 10% engaging in such practices. Fentanyl, specifically, is a commonly diverted drug.
As of now, no one has been charged with a crime, and police are actively investigating the incident. Although the exact number of affected patients remains unconfirmed, The Oregonian/OregonLive confirmed a police investigation into the drug diversion incident is ongoing.
A spokesperson for Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center confirmed that the issue was reported to law enforcement but declined to disclose the number of deaths or impacted individuals.
In summary, the alleged tampering of medication with tap water at the medical center has resulted in a police investigation, with multiple patients impacted and potentially fatal outcomes for some.