Nurse Fired for Reusing Needleless Syringes at Chesapeake Regional—Hospital Issues Alert

Chesapeake Regional Healthcare is contacting patients who may have been exposed to bloodborne pathogens after a now-former nurse at Chesapeake Regional Medical Center (CRMC) reused needleless syringes to administer IV medications over a period of 18 months.

The nurse worked in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) between July 24, 2023, and January 20, 2025. The hospital has since terminated the employee and launched a wide-reaching effort to warn and support potentially affected patients.

What the Hospital Is Doing Now

Following the report from a fellow staff member, Chesapeake Regional launched an immediate internal investigation and notified the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) along with other regulatory bodies. The nurse was promptly removed from duty and has since been fired.

Since confirming the misuse of syringe equipment, the hospital has worked to notify every patient who may have been treated by the nurse during the identified period. The health system is emphasizing transparency and patient support, reassuring the public that the equipment used was needleless—designed specifically to reduce infection risk by preventing blood exchange.

In partnership with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), CRMC is recommending that affected patients undergo precautionary testing. While officials reiterate that the risk of infection is extremely low, they say this step is being taken out of an abundance of caution.

“We deeply regret that this incident occurred and are taking every necessary step to support those affected and prevent any recurrence,” Chesapeake Regional Healthcare said in a public release. “The employee acted in violation of training, hospital policy and regulatory standards and no longer works at CRMC.”

Free Testing Details for Notified Patients

Patients who received care from the former nurse during the affected timeframe and have been contacted by the hospital are eligible for free bloodborne pathogen testing.

Testing is available now through July 31, 2025, at two locations on the Chesapeake Regional campus:

• Jennings Outpatient Center – 844 Battlefield Blvd.
  
  
• Lifestyle Health and Fitness Center – 800 Battlefield Blvd.
  
  

Patients who received notification letters can schedule their test by calling 757-312-2189.

The testing is recommended as a precautionary measure and includes screening for HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.

How the Issue Was Discovered

The issue came to light after another nurse at CRMC reported concerns about the improper reuse of syringes. That report led to an internal investigation and referrals to multiple oversight agencies.

Officials confirmed that the equipment in question was limited to needleless syringes used for administering pain medications through IV ports—not for drawing blood—further lowering the likelihood of contamination.

So far, no patient illnesses have been linked to the incident, and the hospital has no evidence that any individual received medication from a reused syringe.

“The risk of infection transmission is extremely low because no blood exchange is involved when using needleless equipment,” the hospital said.

Patient and Community Reactions

Patients who received notification letters have expressed a mix of concern, disbelief, and frustration.

“You don’t think it’s going to happen in real life, much less to you,” said Lisa Hogge, a former CRMC patient who underwent surgery in August. “Would I go back for another procedure? Probably not.”

“Just crazy,” said Jennifer Demo. “I can’t believe there wasn’t enough oversight to make sure something like that isn’t happening.”

Others urged the public to recognize the hard work of the hospital’s broader staff.

Tisa Matamoros, a former nurse at CRMC, shared a more empathetic view: “I see the backlash they’re getting on Facebook and social media, and on the news, and it’s not fair. I know how hard everybody works inside those walls.”

Will Charges Be Filed?

Whether the former nurse will face criminal charges is still unclear. A CRMC spokesperson said, “That decision is for the regulatory authorities notified to decide.”

Some patients, like Hogge, say accountability matters. “I hope they hold that person accountable and they make sure nothing like this happens again,” she added. “It’s just dangerous.”

🤔How should hospitals improve oversight to prevent incidents like this?