Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Surgeries Canceled Due to Storms; Employees Protest
- MONTREAL (AP) — Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital was forced to cancel all scheduled surgeries Wednesday following a major power outage caused by severe thunderstorms and high winds the previous day.
- Thaïs Dubé, director of communications for the CIUSSS de l'Est-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, confirmed via email that 30 surgeries will be rescheduled.
- One patient requiring emergency surgery was rerouted to Santa Cabrini Hospital.
Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Cancels surgeries After Power Outage
MONTREAL (AP) — Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital was forced to cancel all scheduled surgeries Wednesday following a major power outage caused by severe thunderstorms and high winds the previous day. the incident has prompted staff to protest what they describe as the facility’s outdated infrastructure.
Thaïs Dubé, director of communications for the CIUSSS de l’Est-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, confirmed via email that 30 surgeries will be rescheduled.
One patient requiring emergency surgery was rerouted to Santa Cabrini Hospital. However, Dubé noted that three surgeries scheduled at Santa Cabrini also had to be postponed consequently.
According to Dubé, “The electrical failure highlighted the instability challenges of the rocking system to ensure an electrical supply of certain emergency sectors by generator.” She added that while weekly inspections are conducted, these issues were not detected, and “They can onyl be done during simulations which are carried out on a regular basis. The last simulation had not made it possible to denote this stake of instability.”
The hospital’s communications department stated that efforts are underway to restore full functionality and ensure the safe resumption of all activities.
The power outage was exacerbated by the failure of the hospital’s backup generator system. Strong winds also caused windows to break, resulting in a minor injury to one nurse.
Operating Room Activities Resume, Surgeries still Postponed
Technical teams completed repairs Wednesday afternoon, according to the Ciusss Relations Office of East-de-Montréal. “We are now able to resume activities in the operating room in a safe manner since we are convinced that we are able to supply electricity the operating room in all circumstances,” the office said in a statement.
despite the restored power, the 30 scheduled surgical procedures remained canceled for the day.
A spokesperson for the CIUSSS de l’Est-de-l’Île-de-montréal added, “However, we can now deal with urgent cases and hospitalized users. The embezzlement of the ambulances was lifted at 2:00 pm.”
Staff Protest Hospital Conditions
A large number of staff members from the operating room and intensive care units staged a demonstration Wednesday afternoon,citing concerns about the hospital’s infrastructure following the storm.
“This is an emergency since the operating rooms have been canceled,” Dr. Marc Brosseau, a pulmonologist and intensivist at Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital, told LCN.
Brosseau emphasized the risk of proceeding with surgery without a reliable backup power system. “We cannot take the risk of starting surgery if you don’t have a plan B with a power failure,” he said. “Then,since last night,there are generators who do not work and there is no ‘back-up.'”
Dr. Brosseau noted the potential for catastrophic outcomes had the power failure occurred during an operation. Fortunately, the outage occurred between scheduled surgeries.
“It is not normal for a storm to put a hospital on the ground,” said Dr. Dubé, likely referring to Quebec Health Minister Christian Dubé. “I hope that [le ministre Dubé] is aware of this.It is not alarmism here.”
Hospital officials sought to reassure the public, stating that Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital remains a safe place to receive treatment.
Madeleine Poirier,a general surgeon,stated,”The proof of this is that we made the right decision for patient safety. There is no danger. We want to put pressure for the installations to follow us and that we are able to continue to provide these care.”
Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Power Outage: Your Questions Answered
What happened at Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital?
Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital in Montreal experienced a major power outage on Wednesday, leading to the cancellation of scheduled surgeries and prompting staff concerns about the hospital’s infrastructure. The outage was caused by severe thunderstorms and high winds.
Why were surgeries canceled?
The power outage disrupted the hospital’s ability to safely perform surgeries. According to Thaïs Dubé, director of communications for the CIUSSS de l’Est-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, 30 surgeries were rescheduled. The hospital’s backup generator system also failed.
How many surgeries were affected?
A total of 30 scheduled surgeries were canceled due to the power outage.
What about emergency cases?
One patient requiring emergency surgery was rerouted to Santa Cabrini Hospital. However, three surgeries at Santa Cabrini also had to be postponed.
When did the power outage occur?
The power outage occurred on Wednesday after severe thunderstorms the previous day,as stated by the provided article.
What was the cause of the power outage?
the power outage was caused by severe thunderstorms and high winds. The hospital’s backup generator system also failed, exacerbating the situation. Strong winds also caused windows to break, resulting in a minor injury to one nurse.
Has power been restored?
Yes, technical teams completed repairs Wednesday afternoon, and the operating room activities have resumed. However, the 30 scheduled surgical procedures remained canceled for the day.
What did hospital staff say about the situation?
Staff members expressed concerns about the hospital’s infrastructure.A large number of staff members from the operating room and intensive care units staged a demonstration, citing these concerns.
What challenges were highlighted by the electrical failure?
The electrical failure highlighted the instability challenges of the backup power systems,specifically the generator’s ability to ensure an electrical supply to emergency sectors. Weekly inspections did not detect these issues, which are only tested during simulations.
What is the hospital doing to address the situation?
The hospital’s communications department stated that efforts are underway to restore full functionality and ensure the safe resumption of all activities. Hospital officials reassured the public that Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital remains a safe place to receive treatment.
What did the doctors say?
Dr. Marc Brosseau,a pulmonologist and intensivist at Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital,emphasized the risk of proceeding with surgery without a reliable backup power system. He noted the potential for catastrophic outcomes had the power failure occurred during an operation. Other doctors,such as Dr. Madeleine Poirier, a general surgeon, stated that the hospital made the right decision for patient safety.
What does the hospital’s statement say about safety?
Hospital officials sought to reassure the public, stating that Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital remains a safe place to receive treatment.
What is the current status of the ambulances?
The ambulances were lifted at 2:00 pm.
Key Takeaways
To summarize the key points, here is a quick overview:
| Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| Cause of Outage | Severe thunderstorms and high winds; failure of backup generators |
| Impact on Surgeries | 30 surgeries canceled/rescheduled |
| Staff Response | Protests over infrastructure concerns |
| Current status | Operating room activities have resumed, but surgeries are still postponed |