N.W.T. surgical equipment problem worries MLA

The equipment that sterilizes surgical tools at the Northwest Territories' largest hospital has not been working at full capacity in recent weeks, raising concerns that patients may be getting post-operation infections.

Kam Lake MLA Dave Ramsay said the equipment problems have put many surgeries at the Yellowknife hospital on hold for the past three weeks, with only emergency surgeries allowed.

Ramsay asked Health Minister Sandy Lee in the legislature Monday if the sterilization equipment is being replaced because more patients are contracting infections after their surgeries.

"Sounds like surgeries are being cancelled because the hospital is waiting for parts, and I'd like to think it has nothing to do with increased rates of post-operative infection," Ramsay said.

At least 3 infections reported

Lee said hospital staff have reduced the number of surgeries while they wait for the sterilization equipment parts to arrive.

"We've had three definite infections and two possible other infections," Lee told MLAs.

"Infection control in hospital settings is an increasing concern nationally. This could break out at any time, and the important thing is that we have the confidence in the staff that we have that they are equipped and qualified and knowledgeable to address that."

However, Lee said there is no reason to be concerned, since the hospital's rate of post-operation infections is lower than the national average.

Kay Lewis, chief executive officer of the Stanton Territorial Health Authority, told CBC News t he machinery that is not working has a "steam issue" and is waiting for a part.

Lewis said 16 surgeries were cancelled last month, and all scheduled surgeries have been cancelled this week.

Hospital staff hope to have the equipment running again by next week, Lewis said.

The hospital's sterilization equipment is about four years old and has a 12-year life cycle, she added.