Three hospital operating theatres closed after air-con failure

Three of the seven operating theatres at Jersey's General Hospital have been temporarily closed following a mechanical failure with the air conditioning.

The main chiller theatre unit has broken, and temperature control cannot be maintained.

It means some planned surgeries have been postponed.

Clinical departments have been asked to review their lists and prioritise critical proceedures.

In a statement, Simon West, Medical Director Health and Care Jersey, said:

"Health and Care Jersey can reassure Islanders that emergency, urgent and maternity care continue to run as normal, and that patient safety remains our highest priority. There is no risk to patient safety, and services have been adjusted as a precaution.

"Due to high temperatures, 3 of the 7 operating theatres at the General Hospital have been temporarily closed while essential maintenance work is carried out due to a mechanical failure.

"Established contingency plans have been enacted, enabling services to continue safely while the issue is resolved. There is sufficient capacity in the other operating theatres to maintain emergency, urgent and maternity care."

We're told the theatres will not be useable for 'at least a couple of weeks', and that is a 'best case scenario', as fixing the problem will require parts from the UK.

"Repairs are underway involving specialist external contractors. The aim is for the 3 operating theatres to be back up and running as soon as possible. We are very sorry for the inconvenience this may cause."

The postponed operations will be rescheduled.

"All affected patients are being contacted directly. Each patient is being clinically reviewed and prioritised, ensuring those with the greatest need continue to receive care as quickly as possible. While there may be a short-term impact on waiting times, rebooking is already underway and every effort is being made to minimise delays.

"While this is not a major incident, it does highlight the challenges that can arise in an ageing hospital facility, particularly during periods of unusually warm weather. We are doing everything possible to restore full services safely and as quickly as possible.

Mr West says portable air conditioning units are being used across HCJ facilities during the heatwave, and that 'looking after the wellbeing of both patients and staff during this period of warm weather is a key priority'.

Extra welfare checks of patients are being made, and refreshments provided, including ice pops and cold drinks.

"We are grateful to Islanders for their patience and understanding and thank all our staff for their continued dedication and commitment during these difficult heatwave conditions."