KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Health Department has taken swift action to tackle leaks that occurred in the operating theatre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital here.
Commenting on video clips of water dripping in the operating theatre on Thursday, Sabah Health director Datuk Dr Christina Rundi said torrential rain from 4.30pm to 6pm had caused flash floods at the parking area and several roads around the hospital.
“Water entered several parts in the building at Level 3 such as the operating theatre and Central Sterile Service unit. There were five patients at the theatre, of which two were there for elective surgery and three others for emergency surgery,” she said in a statement, adding that there was only one patient who had yet to undergo an emergency operation during the incident.
Dr Christina said the emergency surgeries were conducted in theatres that were unaffected by leaks while the elective surgeries were transferred to Queen Elizabeth 2 Hospital and Likas’ Women and Children’s Hospital.
She said steps were taken to build a concrete barrier on Level 4 of the hospital to prevent leaks, adding that the cleaning up process had already taken place.
Eight of the hospital’s operating theatres are expected to resume operations this week, while another eight require cleaning and minor repairs. Tests on air quality will also be conducted before the theatres can be reopened.
“We are confident that all will be fully operational by May 27. There are also no damages to medical machines, medications or the electrical system due to the incident.
“The Sabah Health Department will also work on long-term solutions so that it will not happen again in the future. We apologise for all inconveniences caused to our clients and patients due to the incident,” said Dr Christina.