The AZ Monica hospital in Deurne (City of Antwerp) was completely without power for several hours this morning, with the exception of only one wing. The high-voltage electricity supply failed, and one of three emergency generators did not kick in. Some operations were completed just in time, whilst others had to be postponed for the time being. “All patients are safe,” says spokesperson Sofie Braem.
Power cut at AZ Monica Hospital in Antwerp sorted; operations paused till emergency generators are checked
Colin Clapson
Published:
AZ Monica in Deurne experienced a complete power cut this morning. “Normally, the emergency generators take over in the event of a power cut,” says Braem. One of the three generators failed. “A technical firm is now on site and is checking the emergency generators.”
“The care of our patients is our top priority right now. The most critical patients in the operating theatre and intensive care have been moved to safety. That situation is under control. Scheduled operations have been postponed, and certain operations were completed just in time."
Only two patients have been transferred to a nearby hospital, where they are receiving further care in safe conditions. The power cut has now been resolved, but operations are still being paused until the emergency generators have been fully checked.