Toronto Public Health says more patients of gynecologist under investigation can now get tested

Toronto Public Health has expanded its efforts to reach out to more patients of a gynecologist associated with potential exposure to blood-borne infections due to improper tool cleaning. Patients who did not receive a formal letter from the health agency are now encouraged to get tested, following concerns raised by Amanda Malek, a patient of Dr. Esther Park in 2023.

Malek expressed frustration over not receiving any notification from the city and feeling left with unanswered questions. When she learned about the public health investigation online, she contacted Toronto Public Health multiple times seeking guidance. Initially, she was reassured that there was no cause for concern. However, as more details emerged from the investigation, Malek realized the need for testing and felt that patients like her had been kept in the dark.

In response to the growing concerns, Toronto Public Health has been providing additional information about the infection risks at Dr. Park’s clinic. The agency is now actively encouraging more worried patients to come forward for testing, emphasizing the availability of treatments for any potential infections.

Dr. Park’s clinic has not issued any comment regarding the ongoing investigation. The clinic’s answering machine indicates that Dr. Park is retiring, and the clinic will be closing in April.

Patients who underwent procedures such as pap tests, endocervical polyp excision, endometrial biopsy, or intrauterine device insertion before 2020 are advised to consult their healthcare provider about testing, as per the latest update from the city’s investigation.

Malek highlighted the peace of mind she initially felt before discovering the online update, which prompted her to realize the lack of transparency in communication. She urged other patients who underwent the listed procedures within the specified time frame but did not receive a letter to reach out to Toronto Public Health for guidance.

The cleaning concerns at Dr. Park’s clinic were described by Dr. Herveen Sachdeva, the city’s associate medical officer of health. Sachdeva noted that medical instruments, including speculums, were not disassembled before cleaning and were subjected to significant overdilution of disinfectant solution, posing a risk of disease transmission. Corrective measures, including proper instrument disassembly, appropriate disinfectant use, quality assurance, and autoclave sterilization, were recommended and reportedly implemented by Dr. Park.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) confirmed an investigation into Dr. Park regarding infection control issues in her practice, with her license restricted to office-based gynecology as of December. The CPSO refrained from disclosing specific details or the number of complaints filed, citing confidentiality regulations.

The trust of patients like Malek has been shaken by the revelations, prompting a reevaluation of their interactions with the healthcare system. The transparency and accountability of healthcare providers have been brought into question, leading patients to advocate for more vigilant and proactive approaches to their care.

As of now, Toronto Public Health has not confirmed any infections directly linked to Dr. Park’s clinic practices. The agency clarified that routine inspections of healthcare settings are not conducted unless prompted by a filed complaint.