Chatham Skin Clinic Clarifies Medical Alert: Documentation, Not Sterilization, is the Issue
Chatham, February 18, 2026
Jaryn Vecchio
The Chatham Skin Clinic is addressing concerns raised by Chatham-Kent Public Health's recent alert to patients.
Last week, patients who received medical procedures at the clinic on Keil Drive between October 1, 2024, and January 30, 2026, were advised to consult their doctors about potential testing for diseases like HIV and Hepatitis.
Chatham-Kent Public Health attributed this alert to a reported lack of proper sterilization and reprocessing of medical equipment at the clinic.
However, the Chatham Skin Clinic has released a statement clarifying that while medical equipment was indeed sterilized, the issue lies in the inadequate documentation of this process.
"Despite utilizing hospital-grade sterilization systems for a significant period, our tracking and documentation systems failed to meet the required standards," the statement reads.
The clinic did not disclose the reasons behind the documentation lapse, only acknowledging a record-keeping error.
They emphasize that the risk of patients contracting bloodborne illnesses is minimal, with no reported cases to date.
"We urge individuals who received procedural treatment at our clinic during the specified period to discuss their personal circumstances with their healthcare providers," the statement advises.
To prevent future occurrences, the clinic is implementing several measures, including the use of single-use and disposable items, enhanced documentation protocols, and staff retraining.
Additionally, Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Canada is conducting a third-party audit to ensure compliance with infection control standards.
