MPS issues advice to health professionals dealing with power outages

Health professionals across South Africa should be aware of the dangerous power outages that are disrupting surgical procedures. MPS is advising medical professionals that they need to be prepared for the ongoing power outages, which can affect everything from cellular masts and messages, to petrol pumps and computers. 

Medicolegal Consultant in South Africa Tony Behrman, said: “If you perform procedures that require a continuous source of power in order to preserve and maintain life, you need to seek reassurance that the institution, hospital, unattached theatre or procedure room has sufficient back-up power to permit you to complete the procedure.

"Hospitals also need to make information available to medical staff about the length of time that they can run under emergency power and what areas are considered essential and will be served by back-up generators in the event of a power outage.” 

MPS advises the following:

• Do not perform routine procedures during or immediately before pre-announced power outages.
• Never start a routine procedure, or one which can be safely referred to another location, under emergency power.
• Emergency cases and procedures should be transferred to another, well powered hospital if the patient is stable enough.
• Make sure that there is sufficient power to cater for a patient’s postoperative needs for at least the next 24 hours.
• Be aware that temperature sensitive items for medical use may need to be discarded.

It is vital that the medical profession takes note of this ongoing problem and that healthcare institutions plan accordingly.