Potential Surgical Sterilization Failure May Pose Risks for Indianapolis Patients

In recent weeks, Franciscan Health Indianapolis (St. Francis) has faced growing scrutiny after “technological issues” disrupted the hospital’s ability to provide sterile surgical equipment — forcing numerous surgeries to be canceled, delayed, or relocated.

Patients scheduled for operations in August 2025 reported learning only days before their procedures that their surgeries were postponed due to sterilization-related equipment problems. Some were sent to other facilities, such as Mooresville, to complete their care.

This disruption has prompted important questions about how such sterilization failures occur, what risks they pose, and what rights patients have when hospital safety systems break down.

What Happened at Franciscan Health?

Reports indicate that in the summer of 2025, some patients scheduled for elective surgeries at Franciscan Health Indianapolis’s main campus received last-minute cancellations. 

One patient told Fox59 she learned just days before her abdominal surgery that it had to be postponed because of sterilization issues with surgical equipment. Her surgeon personally called to deliver the news, saying that if she “could have done the sterilizing herself, she would.” The patient’s surgery was later rescheduled at another facility. 

Franciscan Health released a statement confirming that a portion of elective procedures had been rescheduled due to “temporary, technological issues” that affected its supply of surgical equipment. 

Although details remain limited, patient reports suggest that the disruption persisted for several weeks. ​​As a result, many Indianapolis patients have endured significant delays in needed procedures, last-minute cancellations, and the stress of traveling to other facilities for surgery. Others are left with lingering questions about whether previously completed procedures exposed them to risks, such as life-threatening infections or other complications. 

Why Hospital Sterilization Failures Are So Dangerous

Proper sterilization is one of the most basic — and critical — standards of hospital care. Every surgical instrument must be fully cleaned, disinfected, and sterilized to prevent infection. When this process fails, even a single contaminated tool can spread bacteria or bloodborne pathogens during surgery.

Potential complications include:

• Severe bacterial infections and abscesses
• Sepsis, leading to septic shock
• Organ failure
• Wrongful death
• Transmission of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, or HIV
• The need for repeat surgeries or prolonged hospital stays

Even patients whose surgeries were delayed or canceled could face harm, such as worsened medical conditions, extended pain, and emotional distress while waiting for treatment that should have been safely provided.

What Are Your Legal Rights If You Were Affected?

Hospitals and their vendors have a responsibility to maintain safe, sterile conditions for every patient who undergoes surgery. When those systems break down, patients may have the right to seek legal recourse if they suffered harm as a result.

If your surgery at Franciscan Health Indianapolis was delayed, canceled, or moved due to sterilization equipment issues, or if you developed complications after surgery, you may have grounds to take legal action.

You may have a malpractice claim if:

• You developed a post-surgical infection that can be linked to improper sterilization
• A delay or cancellation caused your condition to worsen or led to additional medical expenses
• The hospital or a third-party sterilization vendor failed to meet established standards of care
• You suffered emotional or financial harm as a result of the disruption to your surgery

Here’s why it’s crucial to consult an attorney as quickly as possible: 

• Indiana’s two-year statute of limitations applies to most medical malpractice cases, meaning time is limited to investigate and file a claim
• A malpractice attorney can help gather evidence, review vendor and medical records, and identify whether negligence occurred
• Taking prompt action helps preserve important documentation and protect your rights if additional information about the sterilization failures emerges

If you’re uncertain whether you have a valid claim, speaking with an attorney can help you understand your legal options.

What Affected Patients in Indianapolis Should Do

If your surgery at Franciscan Health Indianapolis was canceled, delayed, or moved to another facility, you may want to:

• Document all communications with the hospital about your procedure
• Keep written records of any new surgery dates, travel costs, or medical complications
• Monitor your health and report any unusual symptoms to your doctor
• Contact an attorney experienced in medical malpractice law if you have concerns about potential negligence or harm

Even if you have not experienced a physical injury, you still have the right to clear information and accountability from your healthcare provider.

If You Recently Had Surgery at Franciscan Health Indianapolis

Patients who recently underwent surgery at the Indianapolis campus may understandably be concerned about possible exposure to unsterile instruments or post-surgical complications. It’s important to take precautions if you’re feeling unwell or have any signs of infection.

You should:

• Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience fever, swelling, or unusual discharge or pain at your surgical site
• Request follow-up testing if your physician believes there’s any chance of infection
• Save all discharge paperwork and lab results, as these may be important if future concerns arise
• Document everything, from correspondence and out-of-pocket expenses to daily struggles

While the hospital has stated that it acted out of caution, patients deserve assurance that proper sterilization and infection-control measures have been fully restored.

How Wilson Kehoe Winingham, LLC Can Help

At Wilson Kehoe Winingham, LLC, our Indianapolis medical malpractice attorneys are actively monitoring reports of surgery delays and equipment sterilization issues at Franciscan Health Indianapolis.

Our firm has over five decades of experience investigating hospital negligence and malpractice – including representing individuals injured as a result of improper sterilization in Indiana. 

We can help you by: 

• Reviewing hospital and vendor sterilization records and medical charts
• Identifying what went wrong and who is responsible
• Consulting with medical experts as necessary
• Coordinating medical testing and treatment documentation
• Assessing your damages, including medical bills, lost income, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and long-term needs
• Building a strong, customized malpractice claim on your behalf
• Negotiating settlements or taking your case to trial if necessary

We believe that patients deserve more than vague answers — they deserve accountability, transparency, and justice. If you’re uncertain about how this situation might affect you or your family, our team can help you understand your legal rights and next steps.

Contact the Indianapolis Medical Malpractice Lawyers at Wilson Kehoe Winingham, LLC for a Free Consultation

If your surgery at Franciscan Health Indianapolis was canceled or delayed due to sterilization or supply issues, or if you have questions about possible hospital negligence, contact Wilson Kehoe Winingham, LLC today.

We’re committed to advocating for Indiana patients and families. Call today for a free initial consultation with an experienced Indianapolis medical malpractice attorney.

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