Christine Lavalle is living through a nightmare she never imagined. After discovering on social media that her child may have been exposed to blood-borne infections at a Burlington walk-in clinic due to the use of unsterile needles over a period of more than six years, she’s left with haunting questions. The shocking revelation affects around 1,000 patients who visited the Halton Family Health Centre Walk-in Clinic between January 2019 and July 2025, potentially putting them at risk of hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV.
Last spring, Lavalle rushed her child to the clinic for stitches after a playground injury, relieved to avoid the emergency room visit. However, this relief turned to dismay when she learned about the unsafe practices at the clinic through a community Facebook group, rather than an official notification from public health.
As she grapples with uncertainty, concerns about clinic inspections, and fears for her child’s health, many are left wondering how such a situation could persist for years. Dr. Deepika Lobo from Halton Region Public Health revealed that the clinic’s improper infection control practices were only brought to light after a recent complaint, as routine inspections are not conducted.
The potential exposure to blood-borne infections underscores the importance of proper medical protocols. Dr. Dick Zoutman emphasized that using single-use vials, instead of multi-dose ones, could have prevented this crisis. Multi-dose vials, although cost-effective, increase the risk of cross-contamination when not handled correctly.
As affected patients await test results and grapple with anxiety, the focus shifts to prioritizing patient safety over cost in healthcare decisions. Lavalle, like many others, is tirelessly seeking answers and assurances amid the uncertainty, hoping for the best outcome for her child.