The Tobago Regional Health Authority (TRHA) acknowledges the concern and inconvenience experienced by patients, families and staff following the temporary disruption to surgical services at Scarborough General Hospital (SGH).
The Authority understands that postponed procedures can be deeply unsettling for patients and families, particularly for those who have made personal, financial and other arrangements around their care. Decisions affecting surgical services are being guided by the need to maintain appropriate conditions for patient safety.
The disruption is related to issues affecting the hospital’s chilled-water system, which provides cooling to the operating theatres. Appropriate environmental conditions in these areas are essential to safe surgical care and to the working conditions of clinical teams.
In response, the TRHA engaged its internal technical team, supported by an external specialist contractor, to assess the system and undertake the necessary corrective works. These interventions commenced on September 25, 2026, and are scheduled to continue through October 18, 2026.
Repairs to the cooling system are progressing, with partial restoration already achieved. The system is being monitored while further works and testing continue to ensure the operating theatres meet the required conditions. The phased approach is intended to maintain available cooling while minimising further disruption to hospital operations.
The operating theatres support a range of essential procedures, including ophthalmological, orthopaedic, gynaecological, obstetric and general surgery. Elective procedures therefore remain temporarily suspended, while emergency surgical procedures continue to be prioritised, based on clinical need and the availability of appropriate theatre conditions.
The TRHA acknowledges the dedication and professionalism of its clinical, technical and support teams, who continue to work collaboratively under challenging circumstances to minimise disruption and maintain essential healthcare services.
The Authority will continue to monitor the restoration works and provide updates as significant milestones are achieved and surgical services change.
The Tobago Regional Health Authority thanks patients, their families, staff and the people of Tobago for their patience, understanding and continued confidence as we work to restore full theatre operations and strengthen the resilience of our healthcare infrastructure.