The Texas nurse who contracted Ebola plans to file suit against her employer.
Nina Pham was the first person in the US to contract the virus, and said the hospital exploited her for publicity purposes. She also alleged that she was not properly trained.
According to Pham, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital was in a state of chaos after admitting Ebola victim Thomas Duncan last fall. Duncan contracted Ebola in Liberia, then travelled to Dallas to visit family.
Pham claimed that she and the other nurses were ill-equipped to handle the situation, and poorly trained on how to protect themselves from the virus.
"I wanted to believe that they would have my back and take care of me, but they just haven't risen to the occasion," Pham told The Dallas Morning News in an interview published Sunday.
She alleged that the nurses did not wear hazmat suits, and that her neck area was exposed. The uniform reportedly consisted of double gowns, booties, and gloves, and a face shield.
Medical waste allegedly piled up in Duncan's room because maintenance refused to touch it.
"We were mopping floors with bleach and doing janitorial work and dealing with hazardous, lethal waste," Pham said.
The 26-year-old became infected while treating Duncan, who died in October. Another nurse, Amber Vinson, also contracted the disease. Both recovered.
Pham said her privacy rights were violated during her treatment, including the recording of an unauthorised videotape of her speaking to a physician that was leaked to the media.
Her attorney, Charla Aldous, said the Dallas hospital "used Nina as a PR pawn."
Pham also complained that the experimental drug she received to treat the virus has caused body aches, high liver enzymes, and other symptoms.
The hospital released a statement in response to Pham's claims.
"Nina Pham bravely served Texas Health Dallas during a most difficult time," they wrote. "We continue to support and wish the best for her, and we remain optimistic that constructive dialogue can resolve this matter."
