The Health Ministry announced the reopening of Operating Rooms 3 and 4 at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWM) following a week-long temporary closure due to a wastewater spill. The incident, which occurred on a Monday, resulted from a blockage in the East Wing’s drainage system that led to wastewater overflowing into the operating area. It’s important to note that the spill did not involve raw sewage, as confirmed by the Ministry.
Hospital maintenance teams promptly addressed the blockage, and the Infection Prevention and Control Unit undertook disinfection of the affected areas to ensure safety. A private cleaning company conducted a deeper cleaning process on November 6, paving the way for the safe reopening of the operating rooms.
During the closure, patient care remained a priority as surgeries were relocated to Operating Rooms 1 and 2 and the Labour Ward theatre. The Ministry highlighted that this incident underscores the challenges posed by the aging infrastructure of CWM Hospital. In response, plans for major refurbishments are underway, alongside discussions with partner hospitals to ensure backup surgical facilities during emergencies.
The Ministry expressed gratitude to the public for their understanding and reaffirmed that the safety and quality of patient care remain paramount. This commitment to infrastructure improvement and expanded surgical capacity offers a hopeful outlook for the future of healthcare services in Fiji, aiming to bolster trust and reliability within the healthcare system. With ongoing discussions to enhance operational efficiency, the community can anticipate a stronger framework for healthcare delivery as the Ministry takes active steps towards revitalizing hospital facilities.