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Hospital accused of inadequate care for workers in radiation imaging

Inadequate shielding exposed workers to excess radiation at MMC imaging center, lawsuits allege Oak Ridge Today, JANUARY 15, 2014 BY JOHN HUOTARI   Methodist Medical Center says it will ‘vigorously’ refute allegations  Five lawsuits filed in Anderson County on Monday allege that X-ray and radiologic technologists, including two who were pregnant, were exposed to excess radiation for several years at Methodist Medical Center because some walls in and around a radiology imaging center in the new emergency department were built without the required lead shielding, elevating the workers’ risk of health problems, including cancer.

The five lawsuits allege the walls in the emergency department, which opened in February 2006 as part of a hospital remodel, did not have the required protective radiological shielding because of building, design, and inspection errors.

Lead-lined walls are required in radiological areas to limit radiation exposure under local and federal regulations and construction and health standards, the lawsuits say……..

Filed in Anderson County Circuit Court on Monday, the lawsuits allege that the high doses of radiation received by the plaintiffs may cause radiation injury or increased risks of long-term radiation effects, including the increased risk of cancers. The plaintiffs are seeking general damages, to be determined at trial; loss of earnings; and past and future economic damages, including the costs of medical care, monitoring, and treatment………….

The lawsuits allege that two of the plaintiffs—Phillips and Raby—now have thyroid problems, headaches, sleeping problems, and other health issues. Gillis has seizures and memory loss, his complaint says.

The plaintiff complaints say. If they develop cancer in the future, the plaintiffs could lose earnings and earning capacity, and suffer other economic damages, the complaints allege…..

The lawsuits allege violations of state and federal rules, regulations, and standards, including radiation safety requirements of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. Oak Ridge Today has asked TDEC for comment but has not yet received a response. http://oakridgetoday.com/2014/01/15/inadequate-shielding-exposed-workers-to-excess-radiation-at-mmc-imaging-center-lawsuits-allege/

January 16, 2014 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Uncategorized