What critical services are disrupted at Duchess of Kent Hospital?

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Critical Services Disrupted at Duchess of Kent Hospital Due to Water Shortage

The Duchess of Kent Hospital (HDOK) in Sandakan is experiencing a severe operational disruption stemming from a critical water supply shortage. The lack of water has significantly impacted essential services, including the operating theatres, the haemodialysis unit, and vital support functions like the laundry plant and hospital canteen. This situation arose after the water supply from the Segaliud treatment plant was cut off, leading to critically low water pressure and an inability to meet the hospital's daily demands, even with multiple water deliveries.
Impact on Surgical and Dialysis Operations

The shortage has forced the shutdown of the hospital's main operating theatres, leaving only a single emergency theatre operational. This severely curtails the hospital's capacity to perform necessary surgical procedures. Furthermore, the haemodialysis unit is functioning at only half its capacity. This reduced operational capability prevents the unit from admitting new patients, including those from private centres who had sought assistance, thereby limiting critical care for kidney patients.
Disruption of Support Services

Essential support services have also been critically affected. The hospital's laundry plant has ceased operations entirely, resulting in a significant shortage of clean linens required for wards, intensive care units, and operating theatres. In addition, the hospital canteen has suspended its services due to the unavailability of water, although the main kitchen continues to operate with limited reserves.
Emergency Measures and Potential Consequences

In response to the crisis, the hospital has implemented emergency measures such as postponing elective surgeries, rationing existing linens, and maximizing the use of alcohol-based hand rubs to maintain hygiene in lieu of water-based methods. Non-clinical facilities have also been temporarily shut down to conserve water. If the water supply issue persists for another six to twelve hours, the hospital anticipates severe restrictions on its surgical capacity, an inability to sustain ongoing dialysis treatments, and a further depletion of clean linens and sanitation supplies, impacting both patient care and staff operations. The hospital has formally requested an increase in water tanker deliveries, with a specific appeal to prioritise critical zones like the haemodialysis unit, ICU, and operating theatres.

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What critical services are disrupted at Duchess of Kent Hospital?

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