rouyn-Noranda Hospital fire Linked to Common Medication Trolley; Extensive Reconstruction Planned
A recent fire at the Rouyn-Noranda hospital was sparked by a medication trolley-a device widely used in hospitals across Quebec and internationally-raising concerns about safety protocols and capacity during a planned, extensive reconstruction. The incident underscores the potential risks associated with these electrically-powered units, even as the hospital prepares for months of service disruption.
The hospital will undergo significant rebuilding of units on its second and third floors, potentially lasting between six months and a year, with a projected reopening by fall 2026, according to Caroline Roy.This reconstruction will impact hospital bed capacity, prompting worries about patient overflow and increased workload for healthcare staff already stretched thin across the region. “We are going to be in reconstruction over several months because we completely rebuild certain units: half of the second floor, or perhaps even the entire second floor, and half of the third floor,” Roy stated.
These medication trolleys, utilized globally for storing and distributing medications, often include electrical components powered by rechargeable batteries-for features like electronic locking, lighting, and IT equipment. The fire has prompted a review of their use and maintenance.
Jean-Sébastien Blais, regional president of the Interprofessional Health Care (FIQ), expressed concern about maintaining adequate patient care during the reconstruction period. “We have concerns especially on the hospital capacity during that year because we will not have the same number of beds as before. And we frequently enough had overflows. Will it cause patient transfers? Will it cause the work overload of employees who will have to put double bites to find beds to all these users?” Blais asked.
Professional tenders for the reconstruction are expected to be launched by mid-September,according to the CISSS-AT. The incident and subsequent reconstruction highlight the ongoing challenges facing healthcare infrastructure in the region and the need for careful planning to mitigate disruptions to patient services.
