Massachusetts hospital probes cluster of benign brain tumors
In a hospital in Massachusetts, United States, five nurses from one department have been diagnosed with brain tumours. All cases are benign, but the situation is causing concern. The information was provided by NBC Boston.
An investigation has begun at a hospital in Massachusetts after five nurses from the obstetrics department were diagnosed with brain tumours. All cases turned out to be benign; however, the situation raised concerns among staff and patients.
The hospital, in collaboration with the Department of Health and Safety and external consultants, conducted detailed environmental studies.
"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," hospital representatives told NBC Boston.
The results of the studies showed no environmental hazards that could be linked to the development of brain tumours.
"Every staff member who came forward was given the opportunity to be interviewed by the Occupational Health and Safety team to evaluate each diagnosis in the context of their individual medical history and risk factors," added in the statement.
However, this is not the end of the matter, as the union (Massachusetts Nurses Association) expressed concern, claiming that the environmental tests conducted by the hospital were not sufficiently comprehensive. The union received over 300 responses from hospital employees and is working on further contact with those who have expressed an interest in further investigation.
The hospital emphasizes that the well-being of staff and patients is a priority. The health of our employees and patients is an absolute priority, assured Jonathan Sonis, vice president of medical affairs.
A recognized hospital in the region
The Massachusetts hospital, located in Boston, is one of the oldest in the United States, founded in 1811.
It is part of Partners HealthCare, one of the largest healthcare networks in the region, and holds the status of an academic hospital affiliated with Harvard Medical School. MGH is recognized as one of the best hospitals in the world, particularly in the areas of surgery, cardiology, neurology, oncology, and intensive care.
