St. Mary's Hospital investigating surgical equipment sterilization problems

St. Mary's Hospital is conducting an investigation after some of its surgical equipment was found to be improperly sterilized on October 28.

The issue has caused surgery cancellations and delays but has not endangered any patients, according to hospital media representative ClaireRoy who said"problems with instrument sterilization are rare but not exceptional."

St. Mary's has since borrowed equipment from other hospitals and sent their equipmentout to be cleaned.

"A parallel instrument sterilization process was implemented, which means that sterilization was done in another facility of our organization, and a borrowing agreement was concluded with other Montreal hospitals," said Roy.

The hospital is hoping to have the results of itsinvestigation by the end of the week.

All patients affected have been contacted to discuss their options, Roy said.