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An internal investigation into allegations a former nurse at Brampton Civic Hospital used patient names to steal Percocet has concluded more than 11,000 patients were affected.
William Osler Health Centre, which runs BCH, wrapped up its internal investigation Aug. 2, said a spokesperson. As of that date, all 11,358 patients had been notified by mail of the breach, said the hospital.
The thefts first came to light in April when Peel Regional Police reported former longtime nurse Catharina Demme, 58, of Brampton, had been charged with theft under $5,000 and breach of trust for the theft of the painkiller.
Demme had been a registered nurse with the College of Nurses of Ontario for 37 years, since January 1980, but resigned Nov. 8, 2017.
Police said at the time that patient names were taken from a list on a computer database at the hospital in order to access the medication for “nonhospital-related use.”
At the time, there was no word on how many patients had been affected.
The investigation began in January and spanned “a number of years.” Demme no longer worked at the hospital when the charges were laid.
Following the hospital’s internal investigation, Osler said it has made changes.
“Osler has improved on its already strong protective processes by implementing more frequent, proactive audits of our medication dispensing system, as well as placing stronger controls on individuals’ access,” said spokesperson Alineh Haidery.
Police said the accused nurse had limited access to patient information.
The incident has sparked some civil lawsuits against Osler by former patients who have said they are worried about what personal information may have been compromised, and how it was or could be used.
“When patients are in a hospital’s care, they shouldn’t have to worry about how their personal information is being treated,” said lawyer Mike Smitiuch of Smitiuch Injury Law PC who is representing some of the patients.