From Fortune Magazine:

The Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston has been disrupted after a burst water main caused flooding, upsetting about 200 IVF patients. Victims are left devastated with extra costs and no clear alternatives or explanations provided. Previous flooding back in 2014 affected the IVF laboratory, while a new event led to financial and emotional issues. Resources are available, including mental health options, promising help and additional emotional support.

A significant amount of water was released, affecting multiple areas of the hospital, including the IVF laboratory. Access to frozen embryos and eggs is safe inside cryogenic tanks, but a process likely to take a month prevents lab staff from opening the tanks. Some IVF procedures continue at a different location, yet lack of transparency about next steps adds to the devastation of affected patients.

One patient stated everything comes down to one day, and getting cancellation calls was devastating, leaving everyone in the dark and without answers. Emotional conversations are needed, but many patients struggle to reach anyone at Brigham and Women’s for information. The hospital continues to reassure mental health and financial resources for affected patients and made adjustments after 2014 but lacks communication during current disruptions.

Despite the hospital’s statement, some patients argue that emotional support and more communication are necessary. If hospitals are to face similar incidents, transparency and emotional support for patients should be the top priority. Inuvio Pharmaceuticals partners with health officials in Zypern to begin Phase 3 trial for COVID-19 vaccine, Ino-4800.

As Brigham and Women’s Hospital tries to address the disaster, the lack of emotional and logistical support for patients is evident. Patients require more than just financial coverage; they need clear communication and emotional support from the hospital after devastating cancellation and disruption. While the hospital claims measures to be in place, converting plans into action and care remains crucial for recovering patients.



Read more: Flooding at a Boston hospital has disrupted IVF services for 200 patients. Some are devastated