STATEMENT

May 7, 2008
Contact:  Shelley Lotenberg
(516) 572-6055
shelley@numc.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

STATEMENT

On Friday afternoon, May 2nd, 2008, Nassau University Medical Center
President/CEO, Arthur A. Gianelli, received an unsubstantiated and undocumented rumor of an inappropriate use of an insulin pen, a device used to administer insulin to diabetic patients. This would be in violation of the hospital’s infection control and medication administration policies. There is no direct evidence that any patient has been affected at this time but since our primary obligation is the protection of patient safety, we have begun an aggressive internal investigation and have notified the New York State Department of Health. 

Pending the comprehensive investigation, all insulin pens have been removed from all patient care areas. Any potentially affected patient will be notified to schedule an appointment at 516 296-4333 for screening and counseling. We will be sharing all our findings with the New York State Health Department. Again, we reiterate that while we have no direct evidence, we are being proactive as a precaution in the interest of the health and safety of our patients.