Operating theatres closed

The recently reopened theatres at West Gippsland Hospital have closed.

Despite a good start to the recommencement of elective surgery an issue with air conditioning has closed the theatres.

It is anticipated elected surgeries will recommence on Friday.

An airspeed sensor has failed in the air conditioning system, so the fans are running faster than normal and blowing fine particles of dust into the theatres.

West Gippsland Healthcare chief executive Dan Weeks said air testing results showed no microbial activity which indicated there were no bugs circulating in the system or in the theatres.

Mr Weeks, said consultants were on site this week to determine the most appropriate short and long term solutions.

“Work is being conducted to repair speed controllers and sensors on fans and there will be cleaning of ducts and filters.

“A longer term solution is to put new filters at the end of the ducts where they enter the theatres. In the meantime, our top priority is to always put patient and staff safety first.”

The emergency procedure unit has been reestablished for obstetric emergency surgery and life/limb surgery.

Mr Weeks said patients and consultant were being contacted to re-schedule urgent cases.

“We are considering all options to best address the needs of our patients. Gippsland Southern Health Service and Bass Coast Health have been assisting with urgent surgery and Latrobe Regional Hospital and Monash Casey have been assisting with obstetrics.”

The two theatres re-opened on July 15 after undergoing repairs caused by building works being undertaken to construct a new third operating theatre next to the existing theatres. The two existing theatres have since been resealed with new walls, ceiling and floors.

Mr Weeks thanked patients, staff, medical consultants and the community for their patience during the disruptive period.