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Tag: Nina Pham

  • Why Is Nina Pham, Ebola Survivor, Suing Texas Health?

    Last October, Nina Pham became the first person to contract Ebola in the United States. Pham, a nurse for Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital, got the disease from Thomas Eric Duncan. Duncan, who passed away while he was being treated, was a Liberian national and the first-ever Ebola patient in the US. Pham has survived her battle with Ebola, but now she is fighting another battle: she has filed a lawsuit against her employers for contributing to the factors that led to her being contaminated by the deadly disease.

    According to reports, Pham is suffering from body aches, hair loss, and other symptoms attributed to post-Ebola syndrome. She is also reportedly fearing the long-term effects of four experimental drugs administered to her by the hospital during her treatment. “The fact is, I’m facing a number of issues with regard to my health and my career and the lawsuit provides a way to address them,” Pham said in a statement with regards to her lawsuit. “But more importantly, it will help uncover the truth of what happened, and educate all health care providers and administrators about ways to be better prepared for the next public health emergency.”

    The lawsuit also alleges that Texas Presbyterian’s parent company, Texas Health Resources, ignored her request for privacy and released information about her to the public in order to boost their PR. On October 16 last year, Texas Health Resources released a grainy video of Pham in a hospital bed. The video was meant to update the public about her condition. According to Pham, the interview was an ambush and that she didn’t consent to being videotaped.

    In the court filing, Pham also accused Texas Health Resources of ignoring CDC protocol by assigning Duncan to her care. According to Pham, she was not trained with the handling of Ebola patients and that all of the information she used during that time, she acquired from the internet or from conversations with fellow nurses.

  • Nina Pham, the Nurse Who Survived Ebola, Says She ‘Had No Choice’ But to Sue Hospital

    Nina Pham, the first person to ever contract Ebola in the United States, says she “had no choice” but to sue the hospital where she contracted the virus.

    Nina Pham — who is a nurse at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas and contracted the disease while treating Thomas Eric Duncan, who was sent home initially after displaying signs of the Ebola virus and later died — filed a lawsuit March 4 against the hospital’s parent company, Texas Health Resources, saying she was “a symbol of corporate neglect — a casualty of a hospital system’s failure to prepare for a known and impending medical crisis.”

    The documents claim THR didn’t heed Ebola warnings and its chief medical officer “made numerous patently false statements to Congress.” The documents further claim the company “wholly failed to ensure that appropriate polices, procedures, and equipment were in place,” which put staff like Nina Pham at risk.

    “I was hoping that THR would be more open and honest about everything that happened at the hospital, and the things they didn’t do that led to me getting infected with Ebola,” Pham said in a statement. “But that didn’t happen and I felt I was left with no choice but to turn to the courts for help.”

    The lawsuit claims medical staff were improperly trained for the Ebola virus.

    “In a cruel twist, after watching Mr. Duncan go through the horrific and painful course of the disease as she desperately tried to save his life, Nina herself was diagnosed with Ebola just two days after Mr. Duncan’s life was taken by it,” the lawsuit states.

    The lawsuit also accuses the hospital of neglect by discharging Thomas Eric Duncan after he sought treatment initially.

    “Had THR heeded the CDC and other warnings and ensured its hospitals were ready for Ebola, Mr. Duncan would have had the best opportunity to possibly survive,” it says.

    Nina Pham claims she has lasting trauma as a result of the ordeal.

    “The fact is, I’m facing a number of issues with regard to my health and my career and the lawsuit provides a way to address them,” Pham said in her statement. “But more importantly, it will help uncover the truth of what happened, and educate all health care providers and administrators about ways to be better prepared for the next public health emergency.

    “I particularly want to express my continued sympathy to the family of Mr. Duncan, as it was my privilege to care for him. I also want to acknowledge my fellow nurses, and the many friends, family and strangers for their ongoing concern and support.”

  • Nina Pham: Ebola Nurse to Sue Dallas Hospital

    Nina Pham made headlines when she contracted Ebola after caring for Thomas Eric Duncan, the first patient to die from the disease in the U.S., in a Dallas hospital. Now Pham is suing the same Dallas hospital, saying they are negligent and responsible for her getting the disease.

    According to a report from CBS News, Nina Pham will file her lawsuit on Monday morning in Dallas County against Texas Health Resources. She says she suffers lingering effects of Ebola, including body aches and insomnia. She cared for Thomas Eric Duncan at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas.

    Nina Pham believes she was “a symbol of corporate neglect–a casualty of a hospital system’s failure to prepare for a known and impending medical crisis.” She cites both the hospital’s lack of training and proper equipment, as well as violations of her privacy as reasons she contracted the disease. She also believes the hospital ‘failed to develop policies and train its staff for treating Ebola patients.’

    When nurses including Nina Pham treated Thomas Eric Duncan, they didn’t have the needed protective gear on hand, Pham alleges.

    “I was the last person besides Mr. Duncan to find out he was positive,” she said. “You’d think the primary nurse would be the first to know.”

    Charla Aldous is the attorney representing Nina Pham. She says Texas Health Resources “used Nina as a PR pawn.”

    “Nina Pham bravely served Texas Health Dallas during a most difficult time. We continue to support and wish the best for her, and we remain optimistic that constructive dialogue can resolve this matter,” Wendell Watson, a spokesman for Texas Health Resources, said. He declined to address anything regarding Nina Pham’s lawsuit.

    Pham wants unspecified damages for physical pain and mental anguish suffered as a result of contracting Ebola, as well as medical expenses and loss of future earnings. She also wants to “make hospitals and big corporations realize that nurses and health care workers, especially front line people, are important. And we don’t want nurses to start turning into patients.”

    Nina Pham worked alongside another nurse from Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas who also contracted Ebola. It will be interesting to see if that nurse, Amber Vinson, opts to file a lawsuit as well.

  • Nina Pham Reunited With Bentley After The Dog’s Ebola Quarantine

    On Saturday, November 1, Dallas nurse Nina Pham was reunited with her dog after its 21-day quarantine on suspicion for Ebola infection. Pham, who had contracted Ebola while caring for a patient and successfully recovered from the virus, met her dog Bentley again at Hensley Field, the decommissioned naval air base at which it was being quarantined.

    Pham was apparently overjoyed to see Bentley, whom she called “one of my best friends,” and said she was “excited to take Bentley home so we can start picking out his gifts for his two-year birthday party next month” in a short statement she made on Saturday.

    Pham and Bentley were separated when the Dallas nurse tested positive for Ebola on October 12, leaving the King Charles Cavalier spaniel’s fate uncertain. Pham was reportedly brought to the National Institutes for Health in Maryland, while Bentley was cared for by the Dallas Animal Services. Dogs are supposedly not known to be carriers of the Ebola virus, but because it was uncertain whether they could transmit it from someone affected by it, Bentley was placed under a quarantine of 21 days and given twice-daily check-ups by veterinarians in hazmat suits.

    While Pham was cleared of the virus and released on October 24, Bentley was still under quarantine until November 1. The dog underwent tests for Ebola, the last of which happened on Thursday, October 30. Bentley tested negative for Ebola at all times, which meant he could go home at the end of his quarantine.

    “He’s such a joy, you can’t help but love this little guy. I can’t wait to see him on talk shows when he’s all healthy and out of here,” said Dr. Cate McManus, operations manager of Dallas Animal Services in an interview with CNN.

    Pham said that getting Bentley back “just feels like Christmas literally,” and that being with her dog was one step closer to her “feeling whole again.”

  • Teresa Romero, Spanish Nursing Assistant Infected with Ebola, Declared Free of the Disease

    Teresa Romero, the Spanish nursing assistant infected with Ebola, was declared free of the disease Sunday.

    The 44-year-old, who contracted the disease after treating missionary priests with Ebola after they returned home from West Africa, has recovered after two weeks of treatment in Madrid. She reportedly has no traces of the virus remaining in her bloodstream, according to test results released by the Spanish government.

    Romero is believed to have been the first person to contract Ebola outside of West Africa in the current outbreak. Two U.S. nurses contracted Ebola after treating a Liberian man who died at a Dallas hospital.

    Romero, who tested positive on Oct. 6, told officials she remembered touching a glove to her face after leaving the hospital room of one of the priests, Father Miguel Pajares, who died Sept. 25.

    Romero, who was treated with blood plasma from people who have been infected with Ebola, remains quarantined at Madrid’s Carlos III hospital and must have a second Ebola test to ensure that she is virus free.

    Her husband, Javier Limon, is one of 15 people who came into contact with Romero after her fever began. None have shown symptoms of Ebola.

    “I am very happy today, because we can now say that Teresa has vanquished the disease,” Limon said Sunday night.

    Romero still does not know that her mixed breed dog, Excalibur, was euthanized on Oct. 8, much to the outcry of people on social media. U.S. authorities have quarantined the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel belonging to Nina Pham, the infected Dallas nurse still recovering from Ebola in a Maryland hospital.

  • Nina Pham’s Boyfriend Allegedly Hospitalized and Being Closely Monitored for Ebola

    Nina Pham’s boyfriend is reportedly being monitored very closely, with some reports saying he has been hospitalized and is in isolation.

    Pham, a 26-year-old nurse employed Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital was part of a team that treated Thomas Duncan, a Liberian national who has become known as “patient zero” and who died of Ebola on Oct. 14.

    “A person Khoi described as a friend of Pham’s is also being monitored for the disease,” reported Dallas News, “although he said he didn’t know the friend’s relationship. Others have said the patient being monitored is [Nina] Pham’s boyfriend.”

    Reports claim Pham boyfriend is in isolation after Jeff George, CEO of Alcon in Fort Worth Texas where the boyfriend works, sent an e-mail out to his personnel advising those who may have had contact with the boyfriend to monitor themselves. The email indicates that the boyfriend was checked into a hospital back on Oct. 12.

    “I am writing to make you aware that one of our Fort Worth associates was admitted to Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital. He is being monitored for potential signs and symptoms of the Ebola virus. The associate has not shown any signs of symptoms of the Ebola virus. After consultation with the Texas Department of Health, we are confident that there is no risk for Alcon associates,” wrote George.

    The nurse was transferred to the National Institutes of Health in Maryland for further treatment after receiving an antibody-rich blood transfusion from Dr. Kent Brantly. NBC News cameraman Ashoka Mukpo and aid worker Dr. Rick Sacra have also received transfusions from Brantly.

    The Dallas News reported on Oct. 8 that Pham is confronting “the deadly virus with the prayers of her family and friends — and the blood of an Ebola survivor coursing through her veins.”

    Meanwhile, Pham’s dog, a one-year-old King Charles Spaniel named Bentley, is being held for observation. After the dog of a nurse in Spain was euthanized, Bentley has become a household name as people take to Twitter and voice concerns that the dog may face the same fate.

  • Boyfriend Of Nina Pham Reportedly In Isolation For Observation Of Ebola

    Boyfriend Of Nina Pham Reportedly In Isolation For Observation Of Ebola

    The boyfriend of Ebola patient Nina Pham has been placed in isolation, according to an e-mail sent by his employer to his colleagues. Jeff George, CEO of Alcon in Fort Worth Texas, apparently sent an e-mail to his employees that a person who had been in contact with Pham and works for the company was admitted to the hospital on Sunday, October 12.

    The e-mail allegedly states that an Alcon employee was admitted to the hospital and was being monitored for Ebola symptoms, although the name of the employee was not released. The employee is believed to be Pham’s boyfriend, who works for the company, as do Pham’s parents.

    “The associate has not shown any signs of symptoms of the Ebola virus. After consultation with the Texas Department of Health, we are confident that there is no risk for Alcon associates,” wrote George.

    According to Dallas News, Rev. Jim Khoi of Our Lady of Fatima Church in East Fort Worth was told by Pham’s mother that a friend of her daughter’s had also been admitted to Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital, although he was not told of the nature of their relationship.

    Meanwhile, Pham is reportedly keeping in touch with family members through Skype and phone calls. She has been in quarantine since Friday, October 10, after contracting the Ebola virus from “patient zero” Thomas Eric Duncan, who died just two days before.

    However, Pham received a blood transfusion from Ebola survivor Dr. Kent Brantly on Monday, according to Daily Mail. Brantly arrived at Texas Presbyterian Hospital on Sunday night to donate his blood.

    Brantly contracted the virus while working for Samaritan’s Purse in Liberia, after which he was flown back to the US for treatment. He survived after being treated with the experimental serum Z-Mapp at the Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia.

  • Nina Pham Reportedly “Doing Well” After Contracting Ebola Virus

    The nurse who contracted Ebola from a Liberian patient is reportedly “doing well” while receiving treatment at the Texas hospital for which she works. Nina Pham is the first person to contract Ebola on US soil after attending to Thomas Eric Duncan, who had unknowingly brought the virus to the States when he flew back from Liberia. Pham is currently being treated for Ebola at Texas Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas and recently gave an update on how she was feeling.

    “I’m doing well and want to thank everyone for their kind wishes and prayers. I am blessed by the support of family and friends and am blessed to be cared for by the best team of doctors and nurses in the world,” Pham said in a statement released by the hospital on Tuesday, October 14.

    Wendell Watson, spokesman for Texas Health Resources, also reported that Pham was in good condition as of Tuesday evening.

    Pham attended Texas Christian University in Dallas and graduated with a degree in nursing in 2010. Just two months before she contracted Ebola, Pham had received certification in critical care nursing, which deals specifically with life-threatening problems.

    “Knowing Nina, she’s one of the most meticulous, thorough, effective nurses. She taught me infection control and hand hygiene and protocol. I learned so much of that from her,” said Jennifer Joseph, who had trained under Pham at the hospital.

    On Sunday, officials said that Pham had “extensive contact” with Duncan while he was being treated for Ebola at the hospital. President Barack Obama has reportedly called for an investigation into why Pham had contracted Ebola with strict protocols in place to halt the spread of the virus.

    “The hearts and prayers of everyone at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas are with Nina Pham, and we are working tirelessly to help her in this courageous fight. The doctors and nurses involved with her treatment remain hopeful, and we ask for the prayers of the entire country,” Texas Health Resources CEO Barclay Berdan added in a statement.