Spencer Hospital Awaits Inspection for Surgery Center

posted on Wednesday, January 23, 2019 in General

Spencer Hospital’s surgery center is scheduled to be inspected on Thursday by a representative of the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA). The organization’s approval is required before the hospital can reopen the surgery center which received smoke damaged during an equipment fire on Monday.

“Our team has worked really hard since the incident occurred and we’re anxious to care for the patients who are in need of surgical procedures,” said Spencer Hospital president Bill Bumgarner. “We look forward to the inspector’s visit.”

Shortly after 5 p.m. Monday a hospital staff member in the surgical equipment sterilization area smelled smoke and noticed sparks escaping from one of the washer units. Immediately a fire alarm was pulled and the sparks were extinguished by the sprinkler system. The Spencer Fire Department quickly responded and assisted in clearing the smoke-filled room. Due to the spread of smoke in other areas of the hospital, 16 patients were transferred to neighboring facilities.

All hospital services were open on Tuesday with the exception of the surgical center. The cleaning and sterilization teams worked around the clock to quickly and efficiently disinfect all impacted areas and equipment. Bumgarner expressed gratitude to the hospital team and others who have assisted in the process.