NH health officials accuse hospital of ignoring staff concerns in hep C outbreak

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - New Hampshire's public health department says Exeter Hospital ignored employee concerns about a medical technician accused of infecting patients with hepatitis C, and in one case a worker was told not to formally report her suspicions.

David Kwiatkowski is accused of stealing painkillers and replacing them with saline tainted with his blood.

The state report issued Friday recommends better drug diversion prevention and detection, further regulation of health care workers and improved communication between hospitals and the state. But Exeter Hospital president Kevin Callahan says much of the report is false. He says the hospital did investigate but was duped by a skilled con-man.

Kwiatkowski, who has pleaded not guilty to federal drug charges, faces trial in January.

State officials are holding a community meeting about the report Monday.

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