Unsterile needles used at Burlington walk-in clinic for 6 years: health officials

The exterior of 2951 Walkers Line is seen in this screengrab from Google Maps. The walk-in clinic that Halton Region Public Health said used unsterile needle is located in this building. (Google Maps)

Public health officials in Halton Region say patients who attended a Burlington walk-in clinic over the span of six years may have been exposed to hepatitis C, HIV and other blood-borne infections due to practice of reusing needles.

Halton Region Public Health (HRPH) issued a public notice on Wednesday, notifying an “infection prevention and control lapse” at Halton Family Centre Walk-in Clinic located at 2951 Walkers Line.

In the notice, HRPH said its investigation determined the clinic used an unsterile needle with a multidose vial of freezing anesthesia and that it was likely not an isolated incident.

Health officials noted it may have occurred between Jan. 1, 2019 and July 17, 2025.

“This practice may pose a risk of cross-contamination and transmission of infections,” HRPH said, pointing out that the “lapse” only happened in the walk-in clinic and did not include the procedures or care received at the family physician offices in the clinic.

“Halton Family Health Centre Walk-in Clinic has taken immediate corrective measures to ensure all necessary infection control measures are being met. Public health continues to monitor the situation to ensure compliance and patient safety,” HRPH said.

While the risk of infection is low, HRPH is advising patients who received a procedure that required freezing anesthesia during that six-year period to speak with their healthcare provider or to discuss testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.

Procedures that may require local anesthetics include stitches for cuts, IUD insertions, skin biopsies, removal of lumps and bumps, partial or complete nail removal and joint injections or aspirations, HRPH said.

“Protecting the health and safety of the public and patients is a top priority. Our Public Health team continues to actively monitor the situation and ensure compliance is maintained,” Dr. Deepika Lobo, the medical officer of health for Halton Region, said in a statement.

“While the risk of transmission is low, we are ensuring impacted individuals have the information they need to complete precautionary testing.”

It is not immediately clear how many patients may have been exposed.