Medford, Oregon– A local individual reached out to Medford Alert recently, to report a harrowing ordeal involving the alleged tampering of liquid pain medication at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center. The informant, who wishes to remain anonymous, claims that a nurse responsible for their relative’s care had been substituting (commonly referred to as “drug diversion”) the medication with unsterile tap water, resulting in an infection that eventually proved fatal.
Expressing anger and confusion, the anonymous individual told Medford Alert, “We are angry, we are confused. We want [them] arrested. It’s very difficult to go to sleep knowing that this person is still out there.”
The ripple effects are reverberating through the lives of those affected. Grieving family members, having undertaken the difficult task of notifying friends and relatives before the news surfaced, find themselves navigating a new and emotionally challenging dimension of sorrow. The individual told us they spent two hours on the phone with a friend of their deceased family members trying to explain the loss of life.
Adding to the frustration, the person says the hospital, bound by confidentiality constraints, remains unable to provide details on the ongoing investigation. Authorities are not saying how many victims there are, but it is believed at least 8 or more patients may have died, mostly in the medical centers ICU area.
Authorities are taking the matter seriously, with Medford Police, Asante, and state and federal agencies launching a comprehensive investigation into the allegations. While no suspects are currently in custody, there is no perceived ongoing threat to the community. Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center is actively cooperating with law enforcement in this complex inquiry.
The victim’s family suspects that there may be even more victims in this expanding case, amplifying the urgency of the getting detailed answers. The allegations involve a breach of trust within a healthcare setting, raising concerns about patient safety and the integrity of medical care.
As the investigation unfolds, the community and families of those directly involved, awaits answers, as law enforcement assures that all necessary measures will be taken to ensure justice is served.
Medford Alert will continue to follow this story and provide updates as more information becomes available. We sincerely thank the brave individual who came forward to tell their story and our hearts go out to all those impacted by this case.
Editors Note: Medford Alert reached out to Asante for comment, we have not received a response at this time.
If you or a loved one has been directly impacted by this case, and would like to tell your story, please contact Medford Alert here for additional information and assistance.
