The Ministry of Health is working with Connaught Hospital management and Mercy Ships to coordinate plans for a new Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD) and the renovation of the hospital’s operating theatre complex, as part of efforts to strengthen surgical services.
The engagement, led through the Ministry’s Directorate of Hospital and Ambulance Services (DHAS), focused on aligning the two projects, reviewing technical requirements and identifying outstanding tasks required to support coordinated implementation.
During the meeting, Mercy Ships reported that the CSSD project had advanced beyond the design stage, with the schematic design approved, the construction package prepared and prefabricated modules being manufactured in the Netherlands.
The modular system is expected to minimise construction work within the existing hospital building while ensuring proper connections with the operating theatre complex.
Meanwhile, the Ministry and Connaught Hospital teams are working to finalise the theatre renovation drawings, technical specifications, scope of work and updated Bill of Quantities (BOQ). The documents will support tendering arrangements and guide the planning and execution of the renovation.
Discussions also focused on ensuring that the CSSD and operating theatre facilities function together effectively, particularly in the handling of contaminated surgical instruments and the delivery of clean and sterile supplies.
Participants further reviewed essential infrastructure requirements, including reliable electricity, adequate water supply, wastewater management and drainage, alongside the need to train hospital personnel in equipment operation and strengthen maintenance capacity after installation.
To minimise disruption to surgical services, the meeting considered plans for a temporary satellite operating theatre in another hospital building while renovation works are underway. The Ministry will lead the planning of these temporary arrangements, subject to revised drawings and further technical assessments.
A possible 15-week closure of the operating theatre complex was discussed as a planning proposal, including contingency time. However, the final closure period, construction commencement and reopening dates remain subject to agreement and confirmation of the contractor’s programme. The proposed closure would affect the operating theatre complex, not the entire hospital.
The Ministry has identified the completion of updated theatre drawings and the BOQ as immediate priorities, with 15 November set as the latest requested submission date.
The Ministry of Health, Connaught Hospital management and Mercy Ships are expected to continue technical discussions to resolve outstanding issues, finalise project documentation and agree on construction sequencing, responsibilities and arrangements for maintaining surgical services.
The coordinated initiative is intended to improve sterile processing capacity, upgrade operating theatre infrastructure and support safer, higher-quality surgical care at Connaught Hospital.
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