The Health Ministry has announced the reopening of Operating Rooms 3 and 4 at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWM) after a temporary closure that lasted a week due to a wastewater spill. The incident, which occurred on a Monday, was caused by a blockage in the drainage system of the East Wing, leading to an overflow of wastewater into the operating area. Fortunately, the spill did not include raw sewage, as confirmed by the Ministry.
The hospital’s maintenance teams acted swiftly to resolve the blockage, while the Infection Prevention and Control Unit conducted thorough disinfection of the affected areas to ensure the safety of patients and staff. Additionally, a private cleaning company performed an extensive cleaning on November 6, facilitating the safe reopening of the operating rooms.
During this closure, the hospital prioritized patient care by relocating surgeries to Operating Rooms 1 and 2, as well as the Labour Ward theatre. The Ministry highlighted that the incident sheds light on the challenges related to the aging infrastructure at CWM Hospital. As a result, plans for significant refurbishments are in motion, and discussions are underway with partner hospitals to establish backup surgical facilities in the event of emergencies.
The Ministry expressed appreciation to the public for their understanding during this situation and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining safety and quality in patient care. This focus on improving infrastructure and expanding surgical capacity provides a positive outlook for the future of healthcare services in Fiji. The ongoing conversations aimed at enhancing operational efficiency suggest a robust approach to revitalizing hospital facilities, ultimately striving to build greater trust and reliability within the healthcare system. The community can look forward to these advancements contributing to a stronger framework for healthcare delivery in the region.