Juan F. Luis Memorial Hospital on Thursday announced it was temporarily closing it operating rooms for elective surgery because of rising humidity levels.
In a news release issued Thursday night, hospital Chief Executive Officer, Wanda M. Ruben said the decision was made after the facilities department noted that the humidity levels within the operating room were not consistent with regulatory standards.
Currently, one of the hospital’s two 300-ton chillers servicing the OR unit is inoperable due to essential repairs. While they work on repairing the chiller, services will be provided for life-threatening surgeries. Alternative provisions have been provided for patients with non- emergency procedures.
The hospital is working on repairing the auxiliary cooling unit in the OR, estimating the work will be completed by mid-afternoon Friday. All options are being explored to restore the services earlier, the news release said.
The hospital will continue to provide all other services that were not affected by the repairs.
CEO Ruben said she wanted the public to know that “all efforts are being made to ensure the delivery of quality, safe services to the people of the St. Croix.”