A medical emergency delayed the installation of new equipment for the sterilisation machine at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital yesterday.

Last week, a problem with the steam quality and water pressure of the sterilisation machine at the hospital, forced the cancellation of elective surgeries for at least two days. Equipment to improve the sterilisation machines was flown in at the weekend.

“However, due to a medical emergency that continued through the night, we were unable to interrupt steam supply. This meant that we could not install and test as scheduled yesterday (Monday) evening,” said Joan Dillas-Wright, Bermuda Hospitals Board chief executive officer.

“The equipment will now be installed later today (Tuesday) and further tests of sterilisers and autoclaves will be conducted tomorrow.”

Emergency cases have not been affected by the technical problems.