Share and Follow

Several urgent care workers in Santa Barbara have been fired after a TikTok taken inside medical exam rooms went viral over Labor Day weekend, officials confirmed to KTLA.

The post shows a compilation of photos where Sansum Clinic workers are joking and posing with patients’ bodily fluids left on exam tables.

Text over one of the first images reads, “Are patients allowed to leave you guys gifts?” followed by slides showing staff laughing, pointing, and even posing playfully around the stains with the caption: “guess the substance!” In another frame, the on-screen words say “all shades and opacities.”

In the last frame of the post, the text on top of a group photo around a stain reads, “make sure to leave your healthcare workers sweet gifts like these!”

Sutter Health, which Sansum Clinic is a part of, told KTLA that the video was posted to TikTok over Labor Day weekend by a former employee who left the organization in late July.

“We are deeply concerned about a disrespectful social media post made on a personal account by a former employee, and we are conducting a full review in line with our policies,” said a Sutter Health spokesperson, later clarifying that the individual who posted the TikTok was not employed with Sutter at the time.

Late Wednesday afternoon, the spokesperson said all the staffers involved in the video had been fired.

After the TikTok post took off, it was quickly deleted but not before the internet “did its thing.” Screen recordings, downloads and stitches with the video continue to circulate online, with many offering their own interpretations. The clip also drew swift backlash on Reddit, Instagram and Yelp, where hundreds of users called the behavior “dehumanizing,” “unprofessional” and “unethical.”

Some social media users claimed that the photos were taken at an OB/GYN clinic. The Sutter Health spokesperson refuted these claims and clarified that the photographs were taken at Sansum’s urgent care clinic on Pesetas Lane in Santa Barbara.

“The trust and dignity of our patients always remain our top priority,” stated Sutter Health. “The post goes against the values, professionalism and respect we expect from all staff. We have strict policies to protect patient privacy and dignity, and any behavior that disrespects those standards is unacceptable.”

The organization shared that any Sutter Health patients who might like to discuss their health care experience can email patientadvocacy@sutterhealth.org.

Patients who believe their privacy or dignity was violated either within or outside of the Sutter Health network can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights at hhs.gov/hipaa/filing-a-complaint.

If you or someone you know feels distressed or overwhelmed by this issue, help is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, for free and confidential support.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
KFC's Original Honey BBQ sauce is making its return this week

KFC’s Classic Honey BBQ Sauce is Back This Week

The return of the classic sauce comes as KFC is revitalizing its…
Blizzard traps hundreds on Mount Everest as rescue teams race to save lives

Blizzard traps hundreds on Mount Everest as rescue teams race to save lives

Mike Tobin opens up on ‘arduous’ Mount Everest climb Fox News senior…
Portland police chief touts 'crowd support' approach as ICE facility faces ongoing violence

Portland police chief touts ‘crowd support’ approach as ICE facility faces ongoing violence

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Portland Police Chief Bob…
NFL fans slam Fox's 'shameful' on-air statement on Mark Sanchez

NFL Supporters Criticize Fox for ‘Disgraceful’ Remarks About Mark Sanchez During Broadcast

Fox Sports extended its thoughts and prayers to announcer Mark Sanchez as…
Trump doesn't let shutdown interfere with celebrating Navy's 250th anniversary at rally-like event

Trump Celebrates Navy’s 250th Anniversary at Lively Event Despite Government Shutdown

President Donald Trump is marking the Navy’s 250th anniversary by joining a…
DC police arrest suspect for alleged explosive outside annual Red Mass

DC police arrest suspect for alleged explosive outside annual Red Mass

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A 41-year-old New Jersey…
Inside America's infamous Supermax prison

A Look Inside America’s Most Notorious Supermax Prison

The former warden of America’s most notorious prison has lifted the lid…
CNN's Jake Tapper slammed for 'exclusive interview' with Donald Trump

CNN’s Jake Tapper Criticized for One-on-One Interview with Donald Trump

CNN’s Jake Tapper is receiving flak online for touting an interview with…