Surgeries continue at Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea and Austin as staff work to repair a malfunctioning central sterilization system on the Austin campus. This system is used to sterilize surgical instruments.

“The safety of our patients is always our primary focus,” Mark Ciota, M.D., CEO, Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea and Austin, said in a press release. “The equipment malfunction was identified through routine testing of our sterilization equipment before any instruments were used in patient care. Staff is working with colleagues from across Mayo Clinic and external consultants to determine a cause and rectify the situation. In some cases surgeries have been rescheduled from Austin to the Albert Lea campus, and we are in contact with those patients who need to be rescheduled. We’re also working with our colleagues in Albert Lea and Rochester to have our surgical instruments sterilized so we can continue to perform surgeries in Austin.

“This situation is unfortunate, but I believe it shows the strength of Mayo Clinic Health System,” Ciota said. “Our campuses throughout the region are collaborating to meet the needs of our patients. We appreciate everyone’s patience as we work through this.”