Broken AC units disrupts surgeries at KPH

Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) has been plunged into surgical disruption after malfunctioning central air-conditioning units forced the postponement of multiple operations, with two operating theatres now operating below full capacity.

The breakdown has triggered delays across a range of elective surgeries, leaving patients in limbo as hospital officials scramble to restore a stable environment needed for safe medical procedures.

According to the hospital, the failure stems from its ageing infrastructure, including a central cooling system that serves critical operating theatres. The malfunction has made it impossible to maintain the strict temperature and air quality standards required in surgical spaces, forcing the suspension and rescheduling of non-emergency procedures.

The situation has exposed the strain on the country’s busiest public hospitals, where already heavy surgical backlogs have now been worsened by the equipment failure.

In a statement yesterday, KPH said emergency cases continue to receive priority treatment, while surgical teams work through revised schedules and will contact affected patients as new dates are confirmed.

KPH Chief Executive Officer Dwayne Francis acknowledged the strain the situation has placed on patients already awaiting surgery.

“We 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,” he said.