A massive rainstorm last week has disrupted surgical services at Lloydminster Hospital.
The downpour on June 9 caused flooding in the hospital’s boiler room, backing up water into the main air supply system, according to Prairie North Health Region (PNHR) officials.
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“Crews have been on site since after the storm pumping out the water. From one duct alone, 2,500 gallons of water was pumped out,” Derek Miller, the PNHR’s vice-president of finance and operations, said in a press release.
The hospital’s ability to maintain fresh air supply and temperature control, which are crucial for surgical procedures, was impacted. All 22 surgeries scheduled for Monday were cancelled.
“Fortunately, the operating room HVAC system is separate from the rest of the hospital’s system with the exception of its air supply,” Miller said.
“Crews worked quickly today to install a temporary alternate air supply duct to the OR system so that we are able to resume surgical services.”
A full slate of 22 surgeries and endoscopes is planned for Tuesday and patients with booked procedures are to report as usual. Ambulances with patients that need surgery are no longer being asked to bypass the facility.
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All other patient services continued as normal.
However, people inside Lloydminster Hospital may continue to find the facility uncomfortable without air conditioning and a constant exchange of fresh air. Fans and air scrubbers have been put in operation throughout the building.
Health region officials said the cleanup has identified additional repairs that may delay the resumption of the HVAC system. A preliminary target had been set for June 19.