During federal safety inspections performed in private surgical centers in New Jersey, it was found that over half of the centers upheld unsanitary practices in their facilities. This recent finding has many federal safety officials concerned for the health of New Jersey residents.

At least 55 centers were cited during the inspections. Of the citations that were issued to the surgical centers, many were for not sterilizing used equipment. Physicians at the centers were also found to have expired medication with them. Unsafe surgical centers have been a problem for New Jersey in the past, as two centers were shut down in 2009 following safety inspections.

The unsafe practices of not sterilizing equipment and prescribing expired medication can both pose serious risks for patients, such as infection and death after surgery. Officials have stated their concern for people who have surgeries performed at private surgical centers because they may not know that the center is unsafe. Federal inspectors in New Jersey are working to correct this problem.

If you or someone you love has suffered an infection or died due to the unsanitary practices of a surgical center or emergency room, please contact the New Jersey emergency room error lawyers of Levinson Axelrod, P.A., at 800-346-5529.