South Jersey hospital warns patients may have been infected with HIV, hepatitis

Shore Medical Center in Atlantic County has notified 213 patients who were given intravenous drugs in 2013-2014 that they may have accidentally been infected with HIV or hepatitis.

A former pharmacist at the Somers Point facility charged with stealing morphine may have contaminated intravenous drug equipment with his blood in the process, according to reports.

The hospital is offering free testing to patients who received certain treatments between June 1, 2013, and September 17, 2014. It has also set up a call center for patients and their families for any additional questions.

“We take patient care very seriously,” said the hospital in a statement.

The employee was fired after an internal investigation.

Last month, the Atlantic County prosecutor’s office charged 53-year-old Frederick McLeish with drug tampering, theft, and possession of a controlled substance — felonies that could carry a prison sentence.