Statement from MedWest Health System (MedWest-Haywood, MedWest-Harris, MedWest-Swain) – 10.22.12

10/25/2012

Statement from MedWest Health System (MedWest-Haywood, MedWest-Harris, MedWest-Swain) – 10.22.12

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating a national fungal meningitis outbreak linked to a steroid product used for spinal injections. This product was sold by the New England Compounding Center (NECC). 

MedWest Health System has not purchased this NECC product. We also stopped buying and using any other products from NECC as soon as we received notice of the FDA's concerns. In addition, we are proactively reaching out to all patients treated after May 21, 2012 who may have been prescribed other medications made by the NECC.

The types of patients who are being notified are those who have received ophthalmic drops related to cataract surgery and those who received any injectable medication made by NECC while undergoing treatment at one of our facilities. These patients were identified by their patient records and are being notified by letter. We are emphasizing that the FDA does not have any evidence of infections from these other types of medications.  

The safety of our patients is of paramount importance and MedWest Health System will continue to monitor the information and respond immediately if additional communications are necessary.