Hospital system accused of inaction after ultrasound technologist allegedly assaults 6 women

Six women have filed lawsuits against California health system Sutter Health, alleging sexual assault by an ultrasound technologist during procedures conducted between 2020 and 2022 at Sutter-owned Memorial Hospital Los Banos. 

Despite multiple complaints and two police investigations, Henry Nweke, the accused technologist, remained employed as an overnight ultrasound tech at the hospital. The lawsuits claim Sutter disregarded or mishandled complaints about Nweke's behavior.

Allegations against Nweke range from inappropriate touching to simulating erotic acts with the ultrasound probe. The women are seeking financial damages from the health system. Both Sutter and Nweke have denied any wrongdoing.

According to coverage in the San Francisco Chronicle, the women chose Memorial Hospital due to its proximity and lack of alternative ultrasound imaging options in their shared rural county of residence. After the alleged assault, some drove long distances to other hospitals to avoid returning to the site. The women did not know each other before the lawsuit and were unaware of each other’s cases. 

Despite internal investigations by the hospital and police involvement, no criminal charges have been filed against Nweke. Sutter argues that Nweke followed proper protocols during ultrasound procedures and is conducting its third internal investigation into the claims.

The first civil case is scheduled to go to trial in September.

The full coverage from the San Francisco Chronicle can be found at the link below.

Chad Van Alstin Health Imaging Health Exec

Chad is an award-winning writer and editor with over 15 years of experience working in media. He has a decade-long professional background in healthcare, working as a writer and in public relations.

Around the web

GE HealthCare said the price of iodine contrast increased by more than 200% between 2017 to 2023. Will new Chinese tariffs drive costs even higher?

These risks appear to be present regardless of a person's age or health at the time of infection.

Agfa and Sectra both performed well with end-user satisfaction scores in the 2025 Best in KLAS list of radiology IT systems.