A mould infestation in a section of University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) has been making operations intolerable and posing health risk to staff.

Chief executive officer of UHWI Kevin Allen, who confirmed the infestation, told the Jamaica Observer on Wednesday that it is in the Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD) and it was being dealt with.

“I went to the unit and I saw the mould there, so I can confirm that. The engineering department is saying that they will treat with it over the next five days. There was a sit-in and then the management met with the staff,” he said.

“They are going to take down some of the ducts and wash them and clean them out and change some of the ceiling tiles. They are going to clean the entire area, not just the spaces where there are signs of mould,” Allen said.

A worker, who spoke to the Observer on condition of anonymity, expressed concern about the situation, claiming that it has been a nuisance for months.

“From the beginning of the year this has been an issue. They had to take down the ducts from the AC units recently. In there smells like a dead rat and this is supposed to be a sterilisation area that things for labour ward, operating theatre go to. Even when you are going to do a procedure from biopsy, a dressing… anything. So it’s a big no for areas like that,” said the worker.

The worker also explained that CSSD had been ordered closed earlier this year, but the hospital management did not disclose that information.

“The people like management who got the letter for the area to be closed kept it under wraps. The public health said the area was supposed to be closed a long time ago, as public health inspectors had made their findings. If the workers didn’t take a stand and say this is enough, all of this would not take place,” added the worker.

Some employees, the worker said, became sick due to the the mould issue.

“They felt the effects of the mould giving them cold and respiratory problems to those who have sinuses and so on. Knowing the situation, I try to wear my mask and try working away from the area as best as possible. The workers took a stand on Monday and decided that enough is enough, as people are getting sick,” said the worker. The stand was a sit-in by the hospital employees.

In the meantime, the CEO said staff were working in a secondary location to ensure that there is minimal disruption at the hospital.

Moulds produce allergens (substances that can cause an allergic reaction), irritants and, sometimes, toxic substances. Inhaling or touching mould spores may cause an allergic reaction, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes and skin rash. Moulds can also cause asthma attacks.