Probe launched after fumes leak at hospital pharmacy

Health chiefs have launched a probe after fumes from the preparation of chemotherapy treatments were not vented away due to pharmacy equipment that was not connected to the external ventilation system.

The HSA admitted that the bungle at the newly renamed Anthony S. Eden Hospital‘s pharmacy department in George Town “may have resulted in a release of fumes within the compounding area over a period of time”.

But the health service did not say what the fumes at the former George Town Hospital contained or how dangerous they were.

It did not mention what the potential risk to staff and customers of the pharmacy was or how many people might have been affected.

Officials were also silent on how long the discharge of fumes had gone on before it was detected.

The health authority said that it had closed the pharmacy as soon as the problem was discovered and would “reopen when it can be confirmed that the environment is safe to resume operation”.

Lizzette Yearwood, the HSA chief executive officer, added, “Our highest priority is the health and safety of our staff and patients.

“We are giving this matter our full attention and are taking all necessary steps to investigate the issue thoroughly and transparently.”

Dr. Vinton Douglas, the deputy chief executive officer, said, “While we await the findings from the investigation, we are committed to ensuring our staff are safe, supported and offered appropriate care.”

The HSA said affected staff had been told of the problem and that they had been offered occupational health and safety support.

Officials said an outside expert had been called in to “ensure the integrity of the investigation and any future remediation steps”.

They added the main pharmacy at the Smith Road Medical Centre was still available to dispense medicine and that prescriptions could also be filled at district health centres.

The HSA has been contacted for further comment.