The situation is improving at Nobles Hospital this afternoon after what was described as a 'major power outage' earlier this morning (Tues).
It's understood a problem with the main supply cut power to the hospital at around 7.20am causing the hospital's own standby generator to cut in.
However, it's believed a circuit breaker on the standby generator also failed meaning back-up power didn't reach the hospital's main system.
Critical areas were then supported by battery power.
Health Minister Eddie Teare says whilst it was a very serious problem, patients weren't in danger:
Mr Teare has now instructed that an independent investigation into the incident be conducted with the report being sent direct to him.
MEA Engineers have detected a ‘faulty voltage sensing relay’ on the Nobles Hospital supply, and are assisting Nobles staff in replacing their faulty apparatus to fully rectify the problem, removing the need for generation back-up and returning the supplies to normal.
Outpatients and visitors who earlier were asked to stay away from the hospital until the situation improved can now attend.
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