Oct. 7, 2008 — Patients getting treated at the Charlotte Kimelman Cancer Institute had to make do with cold drinking water Monday and Tuesday as efforts were made to repair the air-conditioning system.
An intermittent air flow was detected after a series of power outages over the weekend, said Karen Hodge, vice president of Facilities Management and Capital Development at Schneider Regional Medical Center, according to a new release from the hospital. Engineers determined that the motor of a unit that distributes cooled air had burned out after tripping breakers that regulate the entire air-conditioning system.
A local company was checking Tuesday to see whether it had a replacement motor in stock, or one that could be modified to meet requirements, Hodge said. The air-conditioning system may be functioning Wednesday or, if the part has to be shipped in, "restoration of ideal climate conditions" could take as long as two days, according to the release.
Patients have continued to receive radiation treatment and chemotherapy, with staff members giving them "ample amounts of cold drinking water." Patients receiving treatment in the infusion suite must endure the higher temperatures for longer periods because of the nature of their therapy, the release said.
"We can only assure our patients, staff and community that everything possible is being done to resolve this situation quickly," said Edward Aribisala, vice president of Oncology Services and CKCI administrator.
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