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Another Colorado Hospital Employee Accused Of Stealing Painkillers

FRISCO, Colo. (CBS4) - A nurse accused of stealing drugs meant for patients has lost her job and is now facing charges in Summit County.

The drug is fentanyl, the same drug a surgical technician at Swedish Medical Center is accused of stealing where nearly 3,000 patients may have been put at risk for HIV and hepatitis.

St. Anthony Summit Medical Center in Frisco says their internal investigation has found no reason to believe any patients were harmed.

Kimberly Jeanne Burgans
Kimberly Jeanne Burgans (credit: summitcountyco.gov)

District Attorney Bruce Brown says Kimberly Jeanne Burgans turned herself in to authorities Saturday.

"There is a misconception that professionals in the medical field or legal field can't have issues with addiction, and that's just not the case," Brown said. "People who have drug addictions are going to be very crafty in methods in which they use in order to get their hands on controlled substances. So it really doesn't come as a much of a surprise or shock."

Officials from the hospital released a statement following Burgan's arrest in part saying, "In accordance with St. Anthony Summit Medical Center's practices and policies, an internal investigation was conducted and found there is no reason to believe that any patients were harmed or compromised in this situation."

Brown applauded the hospital's officials for their handling of the alleged crimes.

"They were able to address an issue that they saw an employee that appeared to be intercepting narcotics and then reached out to authorities in order to make sure that this wouldn't happen to additional patients," Brown said.

As part of the ongoing investigation Brown said deputies may be contacting patients who had contact with Burgans.

St. Anthony Summit Medical Center Statement

St. Anthony Summit Medical Center has clear clinical guidelines and policies surrounding the safe handling, dispensing and disposal of narcotics. Our number one priority is always the care and safety of our patients.

In accordance with St. Anthony Summit Medical Center's practices and policies, an internal investigation was conducted and found there is no reason to believe that any patients were harmed or compromised in this situation. Burgans was terminated from the hospital on Jan. 27, 2016 for violating hospital policies.

We remain vigilant in our efforts to ensure our processes and procedures are followed and are committed to employing national guidelines and best practices to ensure the safety of our patients.

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