Hell in a hospital

A crisis this week at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center should be over by 5 p.m. tonight.

The air conditioning has been out since late Wednesday in the main part of the hospital including the cardiac ICU, Psychiatric Ward and maternity.

Community members, like Jill Shaw, concerned about loved ones, and having trouble obtaining credible information about why the hospital had become a sweatbox, asked if it was OK to bring fans.

Hospital staff welcomed fans and were shocked Friday night when two trucks and a car full of 80 Lesko fans donated by Home Depot showed up thanks to Shaw asking for help and Home Depot responding.

The breakdown was unfortunate, unpredictable and came from the failure of equipment so new it was still under warranty.

The Express visited a cardiac patient’s room at about 6 p.m. Friday. It was 83 degrees.

Hospital President and CEO Joseph Ruffolo said the failed part was a motor in a new system and unrelated to funding shortfalls caused by Mayor Robert Restaino sequestering casino funds from the community hospital.

Ruffolo, reached for comment, said “Niagara Falls Memorial Hospital is currently addressing an unexpected mechanical failure involving a motor in our central cooling system which has temporarily affected air conditioning in parts of the building.

“We have activated our response plan to ensure the comfort and safety of everyone in the impacted areas.

“This includes the use of portable fans and air conditioning units, distribution of ice and deployment of coolers for necessary cold storage.

“Our facilities team is working closely with HVAC contractors and repairs are expected to be completed by 5 p.m., Saturday, July 26.

“The well-being of our patients, visitors and staff remains our top priority. We appreciate your understanding as our team works diligently to restore full cooling as quickly as possible.”