Federal officials find Exeter Hospital deficient

Exeter Hospital is under investigation by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services because of deficiencies in its infection control procedures. These deficiencies are related to the hospital's current hepatitis C outbreak, but the federal agency is not disclosing the specific deficiencies. According to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services spokeswoman Helen Mulligan, the New Hampshire State Survey Agency conducted a substantial allegation survey on June 6 in response to a complaint against the hospital. According to a July 23 letter the state Department of Health and Human Services sent to Exeter Hospital, the hospital has 45 days to come into compliance with the Medicare Conditions of Participation or face termination of their provider agreement on Oct. 11.