KPH surgeries delayed as ageing air conditioning system affects operating theatres

Kingston Public Hospital is facing fresh pressure to restore its central air conditioning system after a fault affected two operating theatres and forced changes to surgical scheduling. Management has set a two-week target for repairs to the unit, which the South East Regional Health Authority says continues to disrupt some services at the Kingston facility.

The problem is not new. The hospital’s central cooling system has failed more than once in recent months, creating repeated interruptions for critical services and wider hospital operations.

KPH Chief Executive Officer Dwayne Francis said the system is ageing and is believed to be more than 50 years old. He said contractors have been working on it, but repairs have been slowed by recurring faults. Because temperatures in two operating rooms are not meeting the required standard, only two major operating rooms are currently in use.

Francis said the hospital has had to move some elective procedures while giving priority to major and urgent cases. He said keeping operating theatres within proper environmental conditions is essential for patient safety, infection prevention and compliance with clinical standards.

According to Francis, one major challenge is that replacement parts are not readily available in Jamaica. The hospital needs HEPA filters and other components, which must be sourced overseas and brought into the island. He said the filters are important because they help provide the high level of fresh air required for operating theatres.

SERHA is asking patients, staff and other stakeholders to be patient while the repair work continues. The authority said it intends to keep communicating with the public until the affected theatres return to full service.

Francis acknowledged the strain on patients waiting for surgery and apologised for the disruption. He said the organisation is working with contractors to shorten the repair period and hopes to return to a more normal level of operation within the next two weeks.