Reinstatement of Doctor With AIDS Upheld by Illinois Hospital Panel

A Cook County Hospital panel Thursday upheld the reinstatement of a doctor with AIDS in a case that is pitting medical experts against the county board.

The doctor, whose identity was not disclosed, was suspended by the Cook County Board earlier this week and reinstated Wednesday on the recommendation of the hospital’s Peer Review Committee. The hospital’s Joint Conference Committee approved the reinstatement Thursday.

Hospital Director Terrence M. Hansen said that while there is no evidence AIDS can be spread from a health-care worker to a patient during normal hospital procedures, the hospital will be damaged by negative public perception.

The full county board, which could overrule the hospital groups, will meet Monday to make a final decision. The board voted 12 to 4 this week to suspend the doctor and some board members were adamant that he not be reinstated.

Board member Harold Tyrell earlier called the reinstatement decision “totally irresponsible.” He said he fears legal action by patients and staff who might be infected by AIDS.

The doctor, who was suspended for refusing to be reassigned and give up patient contact, will wear surgical gloves when treating patients with open wounds, during surgery or when drawing blood, under guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, a spokesman said.