Sterilization unit failure at Grande Prairie hospital prompts family outrage
Alberta Health Services maintains that no patient infections resulted from a recent failure of a sterilization unit at Grande Prairie Regional Hospital, but families of affected patients are demanding answers. Michelle Cowley, whose 62-year-old mother Shelley Gerstmeyer died on April 20 after contracting a staph infection at the hospital, said she was shocked to learn of the sterilization issues just seven days after her mother's death.
An April 27 media release first alerted the public to problems with the medical device reprocessing (MDR) unit, which sterilizes medical equipment. Cowley believes there is a connection between the sterilization failure and her mother's infection, despite AHS statements to the contrary. Dr. Peter Jamieson, then AHS chief medical officer, said a review of data dating back two years showed no impact on patients.
Review limited to certain surgeries, families question scope
Dr. Jamieson stated, “I am completely confident based on the reviews that we’ve done, that there is no risk whatsoever to any patient who’ve had surgery at Grand Prairie.” He added that an external team analyzed surgical site infection rates for complex knee and hip surgeries, which supported the conclusion. However, AHS declined to answer whether the investigation included infection rates from other surgeries or staphylococcus infection rates.
Shelly Willsey, north zone communications director, wrote in a June 23 email, “We aren’t providing any further information at this time, but will share an update with local media when we can.”
Family seeks medical records, questions hospital care
Cowley is determined to find answers. “I want the medical records to see if any testing was done for infection,” she said. “My mom did tell her doctor she wasn’t ready to go home. She was in septic shock when she went back less than 48 hours. I can almost guarantee she had it in the hospital and was already advanced.”
Gerstmeyer was admitted on March 4 for breathing difficulties. During treatment, a PICC line (peripherally inserted central catheter) was inserted, which requires a sterile environment. Cowley suspects the sterilization failure contributed to the infection.
AHS plans replacement sterilization system
Dr. Jamieson said AHS would continue to find alternative sources for sterilization and that a mobile sterilization unit was being built, scheduled for delivery to Grande Prairie in July 2026. The ultimate goal is to replace the steam sterilization system with a new electric one. AHS has not provided a timeline for the permanent fix.
