A theatre at the Launceston General Hospital will stay shut indefinitely as health officials continue investigating a mystery incident that left multiple staff members feeling sick on Friday.
The cause of the incident – thought to be a gas leak – remains unknown despite extensive testing over the weekend, including air sampling and medical equipment checks.
“The cause of the issue in a theatre at the Launceston General Hospital on Friday remains undetermined and is continuing to be investigated,” a Department of Health spokesperson said on Monday.
Several staff working in the theatre reported feeling nauseous and faint on Friday afternoon.
Three were assessed in the emergency department, though no patients were directly affected.
All surgical procedures underway at the time were completed, but one planned surgery was cancelled and will be rescheduled.
The hospital closed other theatres as a precaution over the weekend, postponing non-urgent planned surgeries on Saturday and Sunday.
Emergency surgery continued as normal throughout the weekend using dedicated theatres.
“Extensive testing has occurred since the incident – including air sampling and testing of medical equipment – which has revealed no abnormalities,” the spokesperson said.
Despite finding no problems, officials are taking no chances with staff and patient safety.
Planned surgery is expected to resume from Monday using unaffected theatres, while the problem theatre remains closed.
“The theatre where the incident occurred will remain closed until further notice as investigations continue,” the spokesperson said.
All other hospital areas remain operational and unaffected by the incident.
