GEORGE TOWN: Ten operation theatres (OTs) at the Penang Hospital here will be closed for upgrading works beginning next month.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya said the closure of the main premises will last six months.
However he assured the public that there will be no service interruptions to patients warded at the hospital, as six OTs at its day care centre, known as the Ambulatory Care Centre, will operate as per normal.
"The upgrade works are needed to improve conditions at the existing ten OTs. But there will be no interruption to services.
"If necessary, the hospital will utilise OT services in other public hospitals, such as Seberang Jaya and Bukit Mertajam," Dr Hilmi said.
He was speaking to reporters after opening the World Heart Day at ACC today.
Dr Hilmi added that the scope of works, at a cost of RM15.2 million, will include upgrades to the intensive care unit, air conditioning and electrical systems, and the hospital’s medical gas plant.
"The priority is to complete the ten OTs (first), while other works are scheduled to be completed, in phases, by the end of next year," he said.