Nurse Said To Kill Patients By Replacing Medication With Tap Water At Oregon Hospital

A criminal investigation is being conducted into the deaths of multiple patients after a nurse allegedly switched medication with tap water.

On Dec. 29, authorities began a criminal investigation into the deaths of multiple patients at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center (RRMC) following allegations that a nurse there switched medication with tap water, according to KOBI5. The incidents, said to have occurred in the Oregon hospital’s intensive care unit, have sent shockwaves through the medical community and raised concerns about patient safety.

Recent reports emerged that police were probing at least one patient’s death at RRMC. Asante sources disclosed that nine or 10 patients succumbed to infections resulting from the improper administration of medication. According to insiders, a nurse allegedly substituted pain medication, specifically fentanyl, with non-sterile tap water.

Medford police confirmed an ongoing investigation but refrained from disclosing further details.

The use of non-sterile tap water led to pseudomona, a type of infection that can pose severe risks, especially in individuals with compromised health conditions. Dr. Robin Miller, the host of KOBI5’s “Docs on Call,” expressed the gravity of the situation, stating, “It could cause sepsis and pneumonia; it could infect all the organs, so it could be a very severe infection.”

Asante, the healthcare organization overseeing RRMC, acknowledged the matter in a statement to NBC5. A statement read, “We were distressed to learn of this issue. We reported it to law enforcement and are working closely with them.” The board chair of Asante declined further comment, citing the ongoing police investigation.

Fentanyl, a commonly diverted drug, has been subject to misuse across hospitals nationwide. Miller noted the phenomenon of “drug diversion” and expressed surprise at the medical professionals engaging in such a practice. “You don’t think of medical professionals doing this, but 10% of medical professionals divert drugs. 10%… That’s a lot,” she said, emphasizing that sterile alternatives should be readily available to ensure patient safety.

Drug diversion cases are often investigated by federal agencies such as the FBI and DEA, but their involvement in this specific case remains unconfirmed.

As the investigation unfolds, the community awaits further information on the extent of the alleged misconduct, the identity of the nurse involved, and potential charges.