Amador County – Sutter Amador Hospital in Jackson announced Thursday that a “focused risk assessment” confirmed that radiation exposure is not a concern in the hospital’s Outpatient Center and Pediatric Center.

The hospital temporarily relocated the Pediatric Center for a week after employees expressed concern over recent health issues. The clinic is normally located on the second floor of the building above the radiology department.

Anne Platt, SAH Chief Executive Officer said: “We took our employees’ concerns very seriously and addressed them immediately.” The hospital “not only conducted internal tests but also brought in an external expert to evaluate the radiation safety program.” Test results finalized Wednesday “will assure our staff that the building meets all industry standards and their environment is safe for our staff and for our patients.”

On March 30, experts from both the hospital and the Sutter Health System tested radiation levels in the first floor radiology department and in the Pediatric Clinic. Readings were normal, and an independent health physicist, Michael Grissom completed his risk assessment Wednesday confirming those findings. Grissom said: “The structural integrity of the building is intact and the performance of all radiation shields is in compliance with all regulations.”

Dr. David Stone, director of the Pediatric Center was “pleased with how promptly the hospital administration responded and provided reassurance to our staff while also maintaining their confidentiality.” He was confident the Outpatient Center, including the Pediatric Center, is a “safe environment.” Stone said: “We all look forward to moving back as soon as possible.”

The hospital in a release said “diagnosis of a thyroid nodule is the most common endocrine problem in the United States,” and “in this case, it was a small number of employees that had thyroid nodules detected.” Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.