FAMILY MEMBER OF PHOTOGRAPHY VICTIM SUING INDEPENDENCE HEALTH SYSTEM WESTMORELAND HOSPITAL

A family member of one of the patients who was photographed by staffers at a Greensburg hospital last year is suing the former nurses and the facility.  The plaintiff claims Independence Health System Westmoreland Hospital, along with former nurses Peter Castellano and Melissa Tompkins, caused emotional distress for 105-year-old Madeline Buchek while she was receiving care during the summer of 2024.  Investigators say Castellano and Tompkins took photos and videos of Buchek and other patients while they were nude or partially nude without their consent.  Both nurses eventually pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges and have been released on probation after spending time in jail.