Former Boston Children’s Hospital nurse charged with abusing teenagers after surgery By Carolina Costa
3 min read
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A former nurse at Boston Children’s Hospital, in the United States, was indicted by a grand jury in July 2026, accused of sexually abusing two teenage patients who were under his care after undergoing surgery with anesthesia. John Tam, 33, of Hopedale, Massachusetts, faces multiple charges related to incidents at the health facility.
Details of the charges against John Tam
John Tam was indicted on four counts of assault and indecent exposure against persons fourteen years of age or older. In addition, the former nurse will face four counts of indecency against a patient, an offense committed by a healthcare professional, according to the Suffolk County Prosecutor’s Office. The case’s next evidentiary hearing is scheduled in Suffolk Superior Court.
Incidents occurred during a period of post-surgical vulnerability
The prosecutors responsible for the case report that the abuses took place in 2022 and 2025, both at Boston Children’s Hospital. The victims, teenagers, were recovering from surgical procedures that had required the use of anesthesia, making them more vulnerable to attacks. Tam, who also worked at three other hospitals in Massachusetts, was the nurse in charge of these patients.
The first report of abuse dates back to September 19, 2022, when a 15-year-old patient was recovering from thoracic surgery. The teenager would have woken up from anesthesia realizing that Tam, his nurse, was touching his genitals inappropriately.
Second case involves abuse in bathroom and offer of pornography
The second incident occurred on January 2, 2025, when Boston police were called to the hospital following a report of sexual assault. The victim, also a minor, had completed surgery under anesthesia and Tam was in charge of checking his vital signs.
According to the prosecutor’s office, Tam told the victim’s mother to pick up the car at the entrance for the patient’s discharge. He then dressed the teenager, took her to the first floor and led her to a single bathroom, even without the young woman having asked. There, Tam allegedly sexually abused the victim for around eight minutes, groping his genitals and offering to show him pornographic material on his cell phone. After the act, the teenager was taken to his mother’s car, who, upon realizing the situation, immediately alerted the hospital staff.
Security images reinforce complaints and increase concern
Police analyzed hospital security footage and confirmed Tam’s route taking the victim in a wheelchair to the bathroom and leaving minutes later. The existence of the recordings is a crucial element for the investigations.
Given the nature of the crimes and the vulnerability of the victims, the Public Prosecutor’s Office expresses great concern about the possibility of there being more victims. Authorities continue to investigate to determine whether other patients under John Tam’s care were also targets of abuse. The medical community and parents of patients are alerted to the importance of surveillance and reporting suspected cases.
The importance of safety in hospital environments
John Tam’s case raises an alarm about the safety of patients in hospital environments, especially those who are recovering post-surgery and under the influence of medication. The trust placed in health professionals is a fundamental pillar of medical care, and its violation represents serious damage to the integrity of patients and the reputation of institutions. The investigation seeks not only to punish those responsible, but also to reinforce security protocols to protect those who most need care and attention.
