WILLEMSTAD – As a precautionary measure to ensure patient safety, Curaçao Medical Center (CMC) will reschedule all elective surgeries scheduled for this week due to an issue with the washing & disinfecting equipment in the sterilization department. All urgent and acute surgeries will continue as planned, supported by close collaboration with regional partners to assist with the sterilization process.
All patients affected by the rescheduling of elective procedures have been, or will be, contacted directly by the Planning Department to arrange a new surgery date.
The equipment is currently operational but not performing optimally, resulting in inconsistent outcomes. As sterility cannot be fully guaranteed under these conditions, CMC has decided not to use the equipment until the issue is resolved. The equipment vendor is en route to assess and address the issue under warranty. An update regarding elective surgeries scheduled for the following week will be provided by the end of this week.
CMC thanks its Sterilization Department and Medical technology staff for their exceptional efforts and dedication during this period, and thanks patients and the community for their understanding. Patient safety remains the highest priority.