MEDFORD, OR – A criminal investigation is underway at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford, Oregon, following reports of multiple patient deaths. The deaths have been linked to infections resulting from tap water injections substituted for fentanyl, a powerful opioid painkiller.
According to NBC5 News, at least one patient’s death is being looked into by the police. Inside sources claim that up to 10 patients died from infections contracted at the hospital, allegedly caused by a nurse who substituted medication with tap water.
The nurse’s actions were reportedly an attempt to hide the misuse of the hospital’s pain medication supply, specifically fentanyl. Consequently, intensive care unit patients were injected with tap water, leading to infections that resulted in fatalities.
While Medford police have confirmed that they are actively investigating the situation, they have not provided specific details. The infections caused by unsterile tap water led to dangerous conditions, such as pseudomonas, which are especially risky for patients already in poor health.
The medical malpractice reported at Asante is known as “drug diversion,” defined as the transfer of a controlled substance from a lawful to an unlawful channel of distribution or use. Fentanyl is reportedly one of the most commonly diverted drugs, and tap water, as a substitute, is highly ill-advised due to the availability of sterile alternatives for healthcare professionals.
To date, no one has been charged with a crime, and the investigation remains ongoing. Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center provided a brief statement, expressing their distress over the issue and affirming their cooperation with law enforcement.
As the investigation unfolds, it is now a police matter, said Asante’s Board Chair in response to inquiries. No further comments were provided. Alleged crimes of this nature are often subject to scrutiny by federal agencies such as the FBI and DEA.
In conclusion, the situation at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford, Oregon, highlights the gravity of drug diversion in healthcare settings and the potential risks it poses to patient safety. The ongoing investigation underscores the need for stringent measures to prevent such incidents and uphold the integrity of medical care.