April 11, 2003

Tragic deaths shock hospital community

The MGH community was stunned by the news of the tragic deaths of two MGH employees April 8. Brian McGovern, MD, co-director of the MGH Electrophysiology and Arrhythmia Service, and Colleen Mitchell, an administrative assistant for the service, were shot in an office in the Electrophysiology Laboratory. They were immediately rushed to the MGH Emergency Department where they later died. Boston Police officials have deemed the incident a murder-suicide. According to officials, Mitchell had been treated for depression. Hospital leadership and MGH Police and Security staff continue to work closely with Boston Police to investigate the incident.

A counseling center was established Tuesday morning in the Blum Patient and Family Learning Center for employees and others who were most affected by the tragedy. Staffed by members of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Social Services, Psychiatry and Chaplaincy departments, the center remained open through April 9 to assist those who were feeling particularly upset or stressed by the events.

According to colleagues, McGovern, 47, was a much-loved caregiver and well-respected colleague who was widely known as an expert on cardiac arrhythmias. He had joined the hospital in 1981 as a clinical and research fellow in Medicine. He completed fellowships at the MGH in cardiology and cardiac electrophysiology. A native of Dublin, Ireland, McGovern received his medical degree at the National University of Ireland and trained in internal medicine at Mater Hospital in Ireland.

Mitchell, 51, had worked at the MGH since May 2001, when she joined the hospital as a Bulfinch temporary worker. She had worked in 25 different temporary assignments, usually filling in for secretarial positions. Those who supervised her work described her as "a delight to work with," "capable," and "confident." She was also described as having a "nice personality," and "a great sense of humor." In December 2002, Mitchell accepted full-time employment in the Electrophysiology Laboratory, where she had served in a temporary capacity since September.

"No words can possibly express the profound loss the MGH community is feeling from these tragic deaths," says Peter L. Slavin, MD, president of the MGH. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the many family members, friends and colleagues who are both shocked and grief-stricken by this incident. The MGH has suffered enormous sadness during the last couple of months, and I once again want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of our employees and staff who have persevered under such extreme circumstances and have kept hospital operations running smoothly. I am so proud to lead an institution of such unparalleled integrity and dedication to not only providing the highest quality of patient care but also to helping each other in a time of need."

The EAP is available to offer support for employees. For more information about EAP and other support services, call (617) 726-6976.