Debbie Connolly, who worked as a nurse in the maternity ward at Newton-Wellesley Hospital from 2005 to 2018, was diagnosed with a right frontal lobe meningioma last month. Another former staff member at the hospital has also been diagnosed with a brain tumor, bringing the total up to at least seven cases. The hospital, part of the Massachusetts General Brigham network, had previously announced that five nurses on the fifth floor maternity unit had been diagnosed with non-cancerous brain tumors. A sixth case was confirmed a week later.
Debbie Connolly, with over 35 years of nursing experience, including her time at the maternity unit, expressed shock at her diagnosis. She was fired from her role after taking a medical leave due to symptoms affecting her memory and balance. The hospital, however, has declined to comment on the situation, stating that their investigation found no evidence linking the medical conditions to the work environment. Despite the hospital’s stance, Connolly believes there is a connection and has reported her diagnosis to the Massachusetts Nurses Association for further investigation.
The union’s investigation is ongoing, with more than 300 people responding to surveys and reporting symptoms. While the hospital’s environmental testing was deemed incomplete by the union, Connolly recalls working amid construction and noting chemical and paint smells. She remains uncertain about the cause of the tumors but is adamant that it is not merely a coincidence. The hospital’s efforts to provide explanations have not appeased the concerns raised by former staff members like Connolly.
