KHSC Launches Investigation After Terminating Employee Who Submitted False Information

Published on: 2023/02/08 - in News

Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) has launched an internal investigation after terminating an employee who gained employment by submitting false information.

The individual, who was not registered with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO), worked primarily in the post-surgical unit at Kingston General Hospital from July 22, 2022, to January 27, 2023, and on various other units between December 1, 2022, and January 27, 2023.

The individual provided extensive forged documentation of their qualifications and credentials, according to Jason Hann, Executive Vice-President of Patient Care and Chief Nursing Executive. The fraud was detected during a routine check with the CNO and the individual’s employment was terminated immediately. KHSC has informed the appropriate authorities, including the CNO and Kingston Police, and will fully cooperate with any investigation by these external agencies.

Sandra Carlton, Executive Vice-President and Chief Human Resources Officer, says the hospital is reviewing its hiring and onboarding process to prevent similar incidents in the future, adding, “While we believe this is a truly unique scenario, we will use this as an opportunity to strengthen our processes to the fullest extent possible to ensure it will not happen again.”

The internal investigation will focus on the impact on patients and their families. The hospital is in the process of contacting individual patients and families who were cared for by the former employee to provide more information on its findings. Dr. David Pichora, President and CEO, says the hospital will work directly with impacted patients, families, and staff to provide more direct information on its findings.

“We understand the stress and anxiety this news may cause for our patients and other KHSC staff. We will work directly with the impacted patients, families, and staff to address their concerns,” said Dr. Pichora. “We are committed to providing patients and their families with safe, high-quality care at all times and we are committed to speaking with each individual that reaches out to us using the contact information that has been provided to the patients who have been impacted.”

Patients with concerns can contact KHSC’s Patient Relations team by email at PatientRelations@Kingstonhsc.ca or by phoning 613-549-6666 extension 4158. The hospital apologized for any delay in addressing individual concerns and thanks everyone for their patience.