State: Hospital Uncooperative in Hep C Probe

State health officials said today has been uncooperative in the investigation into a disastrous hepatitis C outbreak.

So far 32 patients have been infected with hepatitis C after medical technician allegedly spread the disease to them by injecting himself with their medication to get high. Kwiatkowski, who has hepatitis C, is in jail on fraud and tampering charges.

State investigators want to test more hospital employees to see if others were involved in starting the outbreak, but the hospital has refused to comply with several demands – including testing other employees for hepatitis C.

"Exeter Hospital has not yet provided the state Division of Public Health Services with information regarding the actual number of employees (identified for testing)," state health officials said in a statement today. "This investigation
remains an important public health concern.

"DPHS’s mission is to protect the public’s health and its recommendations are in accordance with this mission and New Hampshire state law. This is a complex and ongoing situation and DPHS is working as thoroughly and as quickly as possible to complete its investigation."

Exeter Hospital has objected to the state's demands over privacy concerns.

"Exeter Hospital will continue to cooperate with the state's investigation, but in so doing will not jeopardize the legitimate privacy rights of patients and employees," the hospital said in a recent statement.

State investigators also want access to staff medical records, but Exeter Hospital so far is refusing to give those up. The hospital this week a judge to issue a ruling on the matter.

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