NEWS PHOTO EMMA BENNETT
Alberta Health Services has postponed at least 11 more elective surgeries at Medicine Hat Regional Hospital due to a water quality concern that is impacting the sterilization of medical devices. Ninety-five postponements have taken place May 9-11.
Alberta Health Services is confirming at least 11 more elective surgeries will be cancelled on Friday as staff at Medicine Hat Regional Hospital continue to attempt to identify the source of a mysterious residue found on surgical cleaning and sterilization equipment in the hospital’s Medical Device Reprocessing area. The most recent round of cancellations comes on the heels of 95 other postponements which have already taken place between May 9-11 since the residue was first discovered.
“We know this is inconvenient and potentially stressful for the affected patients and we apologize for that,” said AHS in a press release Thursday afternoon. “Decisions are made with patients first in mind. AHS is continuing to advise affected patients of surgery postponements, and we are working toward a normal surgical schedule as quickly as possible. Patients will be contacted again by their surgeon’s office to reschedule procedures as soon as possible.”
So far, this situation has had no impact on inpatient, urgent and emergency care, and water serving patients and staff has been deemed safe.
Affected patients, or patients who are uncertain if their surgery is impacted or concerned about this issue, can call site administration at 403-502-8648 (ext. 1509) during regular business hours, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. After hours, patients can contact MHRH switchboard at 403-529-8000 and calls will be returned the following morning.
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