A growing sense of unease has taken root among nurses at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, as an increasing number of their colleagues working within the fifth-floor maternal care unit have been diagnosed with brain tumors. 

One such nurse, who recently received a daunting diagnosis of a brain tumor, described an overwhelming sense of trepidation each time she set foot inside the hospital for her shift. 

Preferring to remain unnamed, she voiced concerns that she is far from the only one facing such a harrowing reality. “The numbers keep climbing, and you start questioning yourself—am I imagining things? But then, the stark reality sets in: this cannot simply be dismissed as mere happenstance,” according to CBS News. 

A Pattern of Diagnoses 

According to the nurse, as many as ten of her colleagues, all working within the confines of the fifth floor, have been diagnosed with a range of brain tumors over the past several years. Some of these tumors have proven to be malignant, while others have remained non-cancerous. At least three of these individuals have undergone surgical interventions. However, the nurse lamented that institutional support has been lacking. 

.@RobertKennedyJr Perhaps you can look into this. TEN nurses who work on the same ward have diagnosed brain tumors.
This is at Newton-Wellesley Hospital in Massachusetts. pic.twitter.com/3XAu7gGGKY

— 🦅 Eagle Wings 🦅 (@CRRJA5) March 31, 2025

“We need reassurance because the past few months have been anything but comforting for many of us on staff,” she stated. “We dedicate our efforts to making our patients feel secure and protected—shouldn’t we be afforded the same sense of safety?” 

Hospital Investigation Declares No Environmental Threat 

Newton-Wellesley Hospital, operating under the Mass General Brigham network, acknowledged that an investigation had been underway since December. As of last Friday, eight nurses had been formally interviewed, with five of them reported to have benign brain tumors. The hospital asserts that none of the diagnosed cases have been identified as cancerous, as per CBS News. 

In an official statement issued to WBZ-TV, hospital representatives emphasized that a comprehensive inquiry had been conducted, ultimately yielding no environmental hazards. 

Statement from the Hospital Leadership 

“Upon learning of these reported brain tumor cases among individuals who have either previously or currently worked within the same area of our facility, we launched an in-depth investigation in concert with the Department of Occupational Health and Safety, the Newton-Wellesley Safety Officer, as well as experts in radiation, pharmaceutical safety, and external environmental consultants. 

At Newton-Wellesley Hospital in Massachusetts, a startling cluster of brain tumor diagnoses has emerged among vaccinated nurses on the fifth-floor maternal care ward. Ten longtime staff members have been affected simultaneously, sparking alarm and raising questions about a… pic.twitter.com/ADHAwQWjVN

— “Sudden And Unexpected” (@toobaffled) March 30, 2025

Each staff member who came forward was offered an extensive evaluation by the Occupational Health and Safety team, allowing their individual diagnoses to be examined within the context of their personal medical histories and risk factors. In addition, environmental assessments were initiated in accordance with CDC protocols in an effort to determine any potential occupational exposures. 

The findings of this investigation did not reveal any environmental factors that could be conclusively linked to the development of brain tumors. These results were subsequently shared with key stakeholder groups, including unit staff and the Massachusetts Nursing Association. Furthermore, we have held multiple forums, allowing our clinical and Occupational Health leadership to directly address concerns and answer questions. Additionally, the Massachusetts Nursing Association has been provided with the test results from our investigation, including those obtained from various external environmental firms. 

Based on the data collected, we can confidently reassure our devoted team members at Newton-Wellesley Hospital—as well as our patients—that no environmental risks exist within our institution. As always, the well-being of our staff, clinicians, and patients remains our foremost priority.” — Jonathan Sonis, Associate Chief Medical Officer & Vice President of Medical Affairs, and Sandy Muse, Chief Nursing Officer & Senior VP of Patient Care Services