(WJHL) – Amy Hunter will spend a nerve-wracking weekend waiting to get tested for hepatitis and HIV after Ballad Health informed her Thursday of a potential exposure that occurred after an early May surgery – the result of “an individual who improperly handled controlled substances.â€.
“It’s been an emotional roller coaster,†Hunter told News Channel 11 Friday.
A veteran nurse first alerted supervisors to the possibility of the improper handling, Ballad said in a statement.
A Ballad representative called Hunter Thursday and recommended she go get tested, at Ballad’s expense.
“I was like, ‘you’re a liar, this is a prank, you know this isn’t very funny, it’s not nice,’†Hunter said.
The caller had told Hunter she could call back and Ballad would answer any questions.
Ballad declined further comment Friday, but the statement said when the veteran nurse, whom Ballad called “a hero,†alerted someone: “Management immediately commenced an investigation, removed the offending individual and notified the Tennessee Department of Health, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and the office of the District Attorney.â€.
After Thursday’s experience, Hunter said she’s left with countless questions.
Despite her many questions and Ballad’s offer to answer them, Hunter doesn’t have immediate plans to speak to representatives there.
At first, Hunter was just reeling from the shock.
If an attorney tells the family it’s okay to speak to Ballad, Tinsley said she’s ready.
“I’d like to know their steps on what they’re going to do to prevent this from happening again,†Tinsley said.
While Hunter and Tinsley wonder about how this could have happened, a quick information search shows drug diversion in health care settings is not extremely rare.
“I don’t trust them,” Hunter said.
“Because I know that they said it’s low risk and stuff, and I hope and pray that that’s true and just not something to try to calm everybody down with.
For her part, Hunter is just wanting the results
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