Devastated former patients seek legal action after possible HIV exposure

Nearly 3,800 patients may have been exposed to HIV or hepatitis at HealthPlus in Saddle Brook, and some of the devastated former patients are now speaking out.

News 12 Staff

Jan 2, 2019, 4:48 PM

Updated 1,954 days ago

Share:

Nearly 3,800 patients may have been exposed to HIV or hepatitis at HealthPlus in Saddle Brook, and some of the devastated former patients are now speaking out.
The patients are part of more than two dozen people who have retained attorney Michael Maggiano for a class action lawsuit.
All were patients of the surgical center between January and September of last year, and all will be tested for HIV and Hepatitis.
Investigators from the State Health Department found a stretcher with a wet, red stain they say went without being disinfected.
According to officials, they also noticed rust-colored stains on surgical tools.
The report also found some workers did not wash their hands, re-used IV bags and did not properly sanitize tools and trays.
The potentially affected patients all received certified letters starting Christmas Eve.
"To me these are deadly diseases,” says Mahogany Clifton. “What about my job? What about my child? What about my life? What about my mom? What about my sister? What about my friends? I work in the food industry. We work on machines, sometimes we get cuts. What am I to do?"

“Why would I trust you with my test when I can't trust you with my health?” says Cristal Irons.

Irons says she noticed Health Plus was sending them all to a hospital under the same ownership, but they are all refusing to go there, so now they will get tested on their own.


More from News 12
1:51
NJ Transit announces one-way tickets will expire after 30 days starting in July

NJ Transit announces one-way tickets will expire after 30 days starting in July

2:07
KIYC: Does the Open Public Record Act Reform Bill damage democracy?

KIYC: Does the Open Public Record Act Reform Bill damage democracy?

2:13
Cloudy with occasional showers overnight; on-and-off Friday showers

Cloudy with occasional showers overnight; on-and-off Friday showers

1:39
‘Everything they had is gone.’ Large fire destroys Maplewood home

‘Everything they had is gone.’ Large fire destroys Maplewood home

0:22
Police: 130 political campaign signs stolen from Howell Township properties

Police: 130 political campaign signs stolen from Howell Township properties

0:45
Reps. Norcross, Gottheimer criticize Rutgers’ handling of pro-Palestinian protest

Reps. Norcross, Gottheimer criticize Rutgers’ handling of pro-Palestinian protest

0:51
Jersey Proud: Hundreds of police officers embark on Police Unity Tour

Jersey Proud: Hundreds of police officers embark on Police Unity Tour

1:07
Groundbreaking held for new open-air retail center on site of former Monmouth Mall

Groundbreaking held for new open-air retail center on site of former Monmouth Mall

2:41
Menendez bribery trial set to begin: A history of the senator's corruption accusations

Menendez bribery trial set to begin: A history of the senator's corruption accusations

0:30
Holy Cow! Cattle seen wandering around Toms River street

Holy Cow! Cattle seen wandering around Toms River street

2:04
Crews begin restoring severely eroded beaches at Ortley Beach

Crews begin restoring severely eroded beaches at Ortley Beach

0:44
General Pencil Company in Jersey City celebrates 135th year in operation

General Pencil Company in Jersey City celebrates 135th year in operation

0:45
Court documents: Mount Olive day care worker admitted to 'unintentionally' assaulting toddler

Court documents: Mount Olive day care worker admitted to 'unintentionally' assaulting toddler

1:35
Security upgrades at Newark Liberty International Airport are underway. What travelers need to know.

Security upgrades at Newark Liberty International Airport are underway. What travelers need to know.

0:23
Woman accused of breaking into Hudson County post offices 6 times, stealing mail

Woman accused of breaking into Hudson County post offices 6 times, stealing mail

1:52
New Sea Girt ordinance bans digging large holes at beach for safety reasons

New Sea Girt ordinance bans digging large holes at beach for safety reasons

2:01
Meeting alpacas and more at Ocean Township animal park

Meeting alpacas and more at Ocean Township animal park

0:43
Miss Teen USA, who represents New Jersey, steps down days after Miss USA

Miss Teen USA, who represents New Jersey, steps down days after Miss USA

0:50
Marine officials: Dead whale caught on cruise ship's bow in Brooklyn

Marine officials: Dead whale caught on cruise ship's bow in Brooklyn

0:28
Police: 2 women arrested, accused of disrupting Teaneck council meeting

Police: 2 women arrested, accused of disrupting Teaneck council meeting