21 People Treated with Unsterilized Surgical Tools at Hospital. Patients Were Not Told for Weeks, Despite Risk of HIV
By Toria Sheffield
Published on March 22, 2026.
A hospital in the UK treated 21 patients with unsterilized surgical instruments for three weeks, despite the risk of HIV and hepatitis. The Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport, Wales, was not informed of the error until March 16. The instruments were disinfected but not medically sterilized on Feb. 24, and were used in operations and exams that took place that day. The hospital's negligence could potentially have unknowingly spread bloodborne pathogens to others. The situation is currently being investigated by the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, which manages RoyalGwent Hospital. Parents of the patients expressed outrage over the hospital's failure to promptly communicate the situation.
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