From:Date: 5 September 2002 Subject: Flood water in operating theatre
Dear Colleagues
The operating theatre complex of a local hospital was flooded recently as a result of a flash flood to a depth of approximately 40cm. Given the very short timescale over which the unit was flooded, no equipment was able to be removed from the facility and all equipment remained in situ until the flood water was pumped out. The flood water was contaminated with untreated sewage.
With regard to complex items of equipment within the theatre the options are:
To dispose of these items and replace with new machines
To attempt to decontaminate these items. Obviously, the insurers whowill be paying the bills would prefer option 2.
ETO would be the best choice for this, but all the UK manufacturers/importers of each item of equipment, with one exception, say that under no circumstances should equipment, such as anaesthetic machines, be treated with ETO on the grounds of A) unreliable killing of microorganisms and B) potential damage to devices themselves.
Obviously manufacturers may have a vested interest in, that by stating ETO is contra-indicated, they will be able to sell the hospital replacement equipment!
Any advice would be received with gratitude
Best wishes
Kevin Kerr
Kevin G Kerr MD
Consultant Microbiologist
Dept of Microbiology
Fewston Wing
Harrogate District Hospital
Lancaster Park Road
Harrogate HG2 7SX
UK
