Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health confirms that we have been served notice by Guelph Medical Imaging (GMI) that they are suing WDG Public Health following the inspection of the GMI facility on Dawson Road whereby WDG Public Health identified improper reprocessing of invasive ultrasound probes.
One of the roles of Public Health is to protect the public from infectious diseases. Public Health has the authority to inspect a healthcare setting on a complaint basis when a member of the public raises concerns to us about infection control. Public Health does not release personal information about the complainant in compliance with provincial privacy legislation. Following a complaint a Public Health Inspector and a Public Health Nurse will conduct an onsite unannounced investigation of the premises and prepare an inspection report in accordance with all legislative requirements.
All lapses in infection control are posted publicly, as directed by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, to ensure transparency and in the interest of public safety. Any past inspection reports which are taken down are still available to any member of the public and can be requested through WDG Public Health.
WDG Public Health inspectors and nurses are qualified under provincial regulations to conduct inspections of healthcare facilities and provide an exceptional level of expertise in infection control standards.
Every Diagnostic Imaging Independent Health Facility in the province is required by regulation to meet Public Health Ontario’s Infection Prevention and Control best practices to ensure patients and staff are protected from infectious diseases. Failure on the part of any facility to meet these standards may result in orders being given by Public Health including public disclosure of the lapse.
WDG Public Health takes very seriously its role in protecting the health of the public. Any concerns about a healthcare facility can be shared with Public Health by calling us at 1-800-265-7293 ext.4752.