Cambridge, Ontario – Cambridge Memorial Hospital is rescheduling some surgical procedures after non-toxic mold was found in a ventilation unit that supplies air to the recovery room. This is the area in which patients are cared for immediately after their surgery or procedure.
On Wednesday July 7, a moldy substance was found localized in a ventilation unit during a construction-related inspection of the Wing B patient care facility. The hospital acted quickly, sealing all vents from the ventilation unit and moving the recovery room to a smaller space in the hospital. It hired an environmental health & safety firm to conduct expedited tests. Late Friday July 9, the laboratory results confirmed the mold was not toxic. Furthermore, the contractor confirmed the air flowing from the vents tested normal. Work is now underway to remove the mold from the ventilation unit, which will take at least a week to complete.
“I’m relieved there was no risk to patients and our staff. We were fortunate to have caught this early, before it became a serious safety matter,” said Stephanie Pearsall, VP Clinical Programs and Chief Nursing Executive. “Regrettably with a smaller recovery room, we can only do priority cases until this issue is resolved. We are looking at ways to make up the postponed surgeries sooner, rather than later.”
It is estimated that about 60 surgical and endoscopy patients may need to be rescheduled as a result. Surgeons’ offices are in the process of calling their patients. Patients who have not been called can assume their surgery will proceed as scheduled. Patients may also call the hospital at 519.621.2333 ext. 2810 and leave a voicemail if they have any questions.
The Wing B facility was built in the 1970s. It is currently being renovated and upgraded to the same standards as the hospital’s Wing A facility, which opened in January 2020.
About Cambridge Memorial Hospital
Cambridge Memorial Hospital is an acute care hospital offering a full complement of services including surgery, maternity, laboratory, diagnostics and emergency. It employs over 1,100 dedicated and skilled health care professionals, technicians and staff, 280 physicians and 500 volunteers providing exceptional care to the residents of Cambridge, the township of North Dumfries and the Region of Waterloo. For more information, visit www.cmh.org.
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For media inquiries contact:
Stephan Beckhoff
Public Affairs & Communications
Cambridge Memorial Hospital
519-621-2333, ext. 2427
