Between January 1, 2019, and July 17, 2025, Walkers Line Clinic was discovered utilizing unsterilized needles with multidose vials of local anesthetic medication (freezing).
Halton Region Public Health has identified an infection prevention and control (IPAC) lapse at the Halton Family Health Centre Walk-in Clinic in Burlington, Ontario. Between January 1, 2019, and July 17, 2025, patients who received a treatment requiring local anesthetic by injection (freezing) may have been exposed to blood and blood-borne infections.
The lapse involves the use of an unsterile needle with a multidose vial of local anesthetic medication. This practice may pose a risk of cross-contamination and transmission of infections. The investigation determined this was likely not an isolated incident, meaning it may have occurred previously during the identified time period.
Dr. Deepika Lobo, Medical Officer of Health for Halton Region, stated that protecting the health and safety of the public and patients is a top priority. The Halton Family Health Centre Walk-in Clinic has taken immediate corrective measures to ensure all necessary infection control measures are being met.
Patients who received a procedure that may require local anesthetic by injection at the clinic during the specified time period are advised to speak with their healthcare provider or visit a walk-in clinic to discuss testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. Patients are advised not to visit a hospital emergency department for this matter.
Examples of procedures that may require local anesthetics include laceration repairs, intrauterine Device (IUD) insertions, endometrial biopsies, skin biopsies, removal of lumps and bumps, partial or complete nail removal, joint injections or aspirations.
The identity of the person responsible for the inadequate application of infection prevention and control measures is not publicly disclosed. The Public Health team continues to actively monitor the situation and ensure compliance is maintained.
Patients with specific questions about the lapse can call Halton Region Public Health at 311, 905-825-6000, or toll-free 1-866-442-5866. Patients who fall under the aforementioned category should download and print a copy of the laboratory requisition and physician letter to bring to their healthcare provider.
The IPAC Lapse only includes the walk-in clinic during the specified time period and does not include procedures or care received at the family practice physician offices associated with the Halton Family Health Centre clinic. The risk of transmission is low, but impacted individuals have been advised to complete precautionary testing.
More information about the IPAC Lapse can be found on the IPAC Lapse Disclosure webpage. The clinic remains open, and there are no risks to the patients at this time. Patients of the clinic are advised to be aware of the situation and seek further information if needed. Public health continues to monitor the situation to ensure compliance and patient safety.
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