Microbes found in two more buildings at Oulu psychiatric hospital

Microbial growth has been found in two more buildings used by Oulu University Hospital’s psychiatric services in Peltola, Yle reports. The findings come after a patient building was placed out of use, prompting the North Ostrobothnia wellbeing services county, known as Pohde, to seek temporary premises for staff.

Microbes were found in several parts of the exterior wall structure of the PT1 administration building. It is not closed, but Pohde has begun arrangements to move about 40 employees who work there. They are working remotely where possible, according to Sanna Blanco Sequeiros, head of the hospital’s psychiatric services area.

Pohde has started looking for temporary premises for the administration building, preferably near the hospital. A renovation is planned, but its scope and schedule are still being worked out, said Ollipekka Huotari, Pohde’s technical director.

Microbes were also found in the exterior wall structure beside one office in the PS2 patient building. The room is not currently in use, but other operations in the building continue. PS2 is also due to be renovated.

The PS1 patient building was previously placed out of use because of extensive indoor air problems. Pohde plans to acquire a modular building near the hospital grounds for 6.7 million euros as temporary premises. Some services will also move to other buildings on the grounds, including the PS3 youth psychiatry building, where renovations are under way.

Additional investigations are being carried out in unused training rooms on the hospital grounds to assess whether they can be used. Pohde says it has received both occupational safety reports from staff and patient safety reports from patients. Employees have been advised to contact occupational health services if needed, and some have been moved to other premises.