Introduction to the Incident
A sixth staff member with a brain tumor has been identified at one Massachusetts hospital, which earlier this month insisted “no environmental risks” were at play. All six staffers work or have worked on the fifth floor of Mass General Brigham’s Newton-Wellesley Hospital, located about 20 minutes west of Boston. Each of the brain tumor cases was benign, though six additional staffers on the floor were found to have “other health concerns.”
Background of the Incident
News broke earlier this month that several people working in the maternal care labor and delivery unit had developed brain tumors. One of those people told CBS News that she was among as many as 10 nurses who’d had brain tumors — both cancerous and noncancerous — over the past few years. “It’s getting to the point where the number just increases, and you start saying, ‘Am I crazy thinking this?’” she said. “This can’t just be a coincidence.”
Investigation by the Hospital
However, the hospital insists that during an investigation, they found no environmental risks on the fifth floor that would be contributing to these tumors. “After we became aware of reported brain tumors in individuals who currently or previously had worked in the same area of the hospital, we conducted an extensive investigation in collaboration with the Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Newton-Wellesley Safety Officer, radiation and pharmaceutical safety offices, and external environmental consultants,” officials with Newton-Wellesley Hospital said in a statement to NBC10 Boston. Since beginning in December, they talked to staff, collected medical histories and conducted “comprehensive environmental assessments following CDC guidelines.” “The investigation found no environmental risks which could be linked to the development of a brain tumor,” they concluded.
The hospital said it found no environmental risks in its investigation. Gorodenkoff – stock.adobe.com
Findings and Reactions
They also found that just five staff members at the time — all nurses — had brain tumors. They did not elaborate on the health concerns of the six others. NBC10 Boston has now reported that a sixth staffer with a tumor has come forward, according to a representative for the hospital. The hospital has told employees that their health, well-being and safety are their “top priority.” Unsatisfied with the investigation is the Massachusetts Nurses Association, which told Boston.com they are engaged with the hospital about their inquiry. “They only spoke to a small number of nurses and their environmental testing was not comprehensive,” they said. “The hospital cannot make this issue go away by attempting to provide a predetermined conclusion.”
Concerns and Demands
Meanwhile, the nurse who estimated that the total number of cases is higher than what was confirmed by the investigation says the hospital hasn’t been sufficiently supportive, especially in light of several of the nurses undergoing surgery. “We want reassurance, because this has not been a reassuring past few months for a lot of the staff members,” she said. “We want to feel safe, the same way we want to make our patients feel safe.” A sixth staff member with a brain tumor has been identified at Mass General Brigham’s Newton-Wellesley Hospital. Google Maps
Conclusion
The incident at Newton-Wellesley Hospital highlights the importance of thorough investigations into potential environmental health risks in the workplace. Despite the hospital’s findings of no environmental risks, the persistence of brain tumors among staff members raises questions about the comprehensiveness of the investigation and the need for ongoing monitoring and support for affected employees.
FAQs
- Q: How many staff members at Newton-Wellesley Hospital have been diagnosed with brain tumors?
A: Six staff members have been identified with brain tumors, all of whom work or have worked on the fifth floor of the hospital. - Q: Were the brain tumors found to be cancerous or benign?
A: Each of the identified brain tumor cases was benign. - Q: What was the outcome of the hospital’s investigation into potential environmental risks?
A: The hospital’s investigation found no environmental risks that could be linked to the development of brain tumors. - Q: Are there any ongoing concerns or actions being taken by the hospital or staff?
A: Yes, the Massachusetts Nurses Association has expressed dissatisfaction with the investigation, citing that it was not comprehensive and that the hospital spoke to only a small number of nurses. The association is engaged with the hospital about their inquiry, seeking a more thorough investigation and reassurance for the staff’s safety.
