Grafton Base Hospital sterilisation equipment not functioning correctly

Machines used to sterilise and clean surgical equipment are ‘not functioning correctly’ at Grafton Base Hospital, and while health authorities say no affected instruments have been used in surgery the problem will impact planned surgeries.

Equipment used to sterilise surgical equipment are “not functioning correctly” at Grafton Base Hospital. Photo Debrah Novak / The Daily Examiner

Health authorities have confirmed that surgical sterilisation equipment at Grafton Base Hospital is “not functioning correctly”, and while no affected instruments have been used the issue will impacted about 20 per cent of surgery at the hospital.

Northern NSW Local Health District chief executive Wayne Jones said the surgical instrument washers and steam sterilising machines at Grafton Base Hospital are experiencing intermittent issues, and staff are working to rectify these urgently.

“Patient safety is a paramount concern, and we assure the community that no affected instruments have been used in any surgical procedures,” he said.

“Grafton Base Hospital complies with the Australian standards governing the reprocessing of reusable surgical instruments.”

Mr Jones said additional surgical instruments are being sourced to supplement the supply at GBH, and extra capacity is being added at the Lismore Base Hospital sterilising department to provide support, but some surgical cases are being rescheduled.

“We are working with surgeons and waitlist staff to minimise delays and are taking clinical conditions into account when rescheduling cases,” he said.

“Around 80 per cent of planned surgeries are still progressing as usual, and those remaining will be fast tracked when new equipment is delivered.

“To reduce any future risk of recurring issues, the sterilising machines will be replaced. A new reverse osmosis water treatment plant is also being installed to mitigate against any issues with on-site water filtration systems which supply the sterilising machinery.

“Additional staffing is being allocated to the Surgical Department, to assist with completing elective surgical procedures, with recruitment currently underway.”

If any patient awaiting surgery is concerned or believes their condition has changed, they should contact Jackie Rogan, waiting list co-ordinator, on [phone].