Ongoing Investigation at Massachusetts Hospital After Nurses Develop Tumors

A concerning investigation is underway at a Massachusetts hospital after five nurses working on the same floor were diagnosed with brain tumors. All five individuals were assigned to the fifth-floor maternity unit at Mass General Brigham's Newton-Wellesley Hospital.

According to NBC Boston, a total of eleven nurses have reported health issues so far. While the brain tumors have been confirmed as benign, the hospital launched a series of staff interviews and conducted thorough environmental testing, including evaluations of air, water, and radiation levels. These tests, however, revealed no evidence of any environmental hazard.

Despite the findings, the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA) remains skeptical. The organization has initiated its own independent investigation, citing past concerns regarding the hospital’s testing protocols. The MNA reports receiving over 300 responses from former hospital personnel related to medical follow-ups and data collection.

As reported by Boston.com, Newton-Wellesley Hospital is still in the process of verifying the nurses’ diagnoses as part of its ongoing review.

NBC Boston shares the full statement from Newton Wellesly Hospital:

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.

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. To evaluate for any possible environmental exposures in that area of the hospital, comprehensive environmental assessments following CDC guidelines began in December.

The investigation found no environmental risks which could be linked to the development of a brain tumor. We presented these findings to relevant stakeholder groups, including the staff on the unit and the Massachusetts Nursing Association, and have held forums to meet with clinical and Occupational Health leaders to answer their questions. The hospital is providing the MNA with the test results from the investigation, including those of several external environmental firms.

Based on these results, we can confidently reassure our dedicated team members at Mass General Brigham/Newton-Wellesley Hospital and all our patients that there is no environmental risk at our facility. As always, the health and wellbeing of our staff, clinicians, and patients is our absolute top priority.

Jonathan Sonis, MD, MHCM

Associate Chief Medical Officer and Vice President of Medical Affairs

Sandy Muse, DNP, FNP-BC, NEA-BC

Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services

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