Somers Point, N.J.-based Shore Medical Center sent letters to 213 patients who received intravenous morphine or hydromorphine medicines between June 1, 2013, and Sept. 17, 2014, according to nj.com.
The hospital warns patients a former employee may have exposed the patients to HIV or hepatitis B or C. Shore Medical Center is providing free tests and support, and is partnering with local health department agencies to err on the side of caution.
Police allege former employee Frederick McLeish, who worked as a registered pharmacist at the hospital, was arrested in January following a yearlong investigation. Authorities claim Mr. McLeish removed morphine from vials intended for use in preparation of intravenous solutions for patients and replaced the drug with saline solution between July and September 2014.
New Jersey authorities charged the former pharmacist with drug tampering, theft by unlawful taking and possession of a controlled dangerous substance. On Jan. 21, 2016, Mr. McLeish was jailed on $20,000 bail.
Hospital officials have not reported how many patients have been tested, if any patients tested positive or how possible transmission could have occurred. Officials have not indicated whether MR. McLeish will face more charges.
If convicted, Mr. McLeish faces up to 10 years in prison.
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