June 11, 2014
BROOKS — Several endoscopies and surgical procedures have been rescheduled due to ceiling damage in one area of the Brooks Health Centre.
The procedures are either being rescheduled or completed at other facilities in the South Zone of Alberta Health Services (AHS).
AHS discovered damage to a concrete and cinder block ceiling in the Surgical Processing Department (SPD) on Tuesday morning.
“We understand this is an inconvenience for the individuals impacted and we’re working hard to get repairs completed quickly and safely. We’ve been able to reschedule the majority of the procedures or, in some cases, have offered to do the procedures elsewhere in the zone,” says Sean Chilton, Chief Zone Officer, South.
An inspection of the damaged area has been conducted and AHS has decided to close the SPD department until the area can be stabilized. No other areas of risk have been identified by building inspectors who visited the facility Tuesday.
The SPD is responsible for cleaning and sterilizing surgical tools and instruments for use in surgical procedures.
Twelve endoscopy procedures, one dynamic splinting carpal tunnel procedure, and three podiatry procedures are scheduled this week. Of these, all four surgical procedures will be rescheduled, seven endoscopies have been rescheduled and five will be done at Medicine Hat Regional Hospital.
AHS is working to determine the cause of the damage.
Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.
- 30 -
