Plans to fix old A/C units well advanced amid surgery disruptions, says KPH

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The management of Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) has assured the public that efforts are underway to address problems with malfunctioning air-conditioning (AC) units that have disrupted operations in two operating theatres and delayed surgical procedures.

In a statement issued on Sunday, KPH acknowledged ongoing challenges with the central air-conditioning system serving the affected theatres, noting that these issues have impacted surgical services and delayed the scheduling and completion of elective surgeries across several specialities.

According to hospital management, the problems stem from the ageing infrastructure (250 years old) of the facility and the deterioration of critical components that are not readily available on the local market.

Maintaining appropriate environmental conditions in operating theatres is vital to patient safety, infection control and compliance with clinical standards. As such, KPH said the required replacement parts are currently being air-freighted to Jamaica, while plans to replace the ageing air-conditioning system are at an advanced stage.

Major repair work is also underway to restore the affected systems and return the operating theatres to full operational capacity as quickly as possible.

Chief Executive Officer Dwayne Francis acknowledged the impact the disruptions have had on patients and their families.

“The management team at KPH fully recognise the impact these delays have had on our patients and their families, particularly those awaiting elective surgical procedures. We understand the anxiety, inconvenience and disruption that postponed surgeries may cause, and we sincerely apologise to all affected individuals for the challenges experienced during this period,” Francis said.

The repair work is being carried out by an agent of the equipment manufacturer through a joint initiative involving the South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA) and the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

Despite the challenges, KPH emphasised that emergency and life-saving surgeries continue to be prioritised and that the hospital remains committed to delivering the highest possible standard of care under the circumstances.

It said clinical teams are continuously reviewing surgical schedules and will contact affected patients regarding rescheduling arrangements as operational capacity improves.

Reaffirming its commitment to transparency, KPH said it will continue to provide updates on the situation.