Mould Delays Kingston Public Hospital Operating Theatres Reopening

The reopening of the four main operating theatres at Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) has been delayed due to the presence of mould, which developed after a malfunctioning air-conditioning system forced their closure. Dr. Natalie Whiley, a senior medical officer at KPH, indicated that critical repairs are underway, including mould sanitization, and that the hospital is working with public health teams to meet infection control standards before reopening. The theatres have been out of service since February, with a recent assessment revealing high levels of mould contamination throughout the hospital, necessitating significant infrastructure repairs. The issues with mould were exacerbated by high humidity levels during the AC malfunction, leading to health concerns for patients and staff. KPH's administration is committed to addressing both the air conditioning and mould problems to ensure a safe environment for surgical procedures.