The Ministry of Health ordered last night (Thursday) to close the operations of the private hospital 'Medica Rafael' in Ramat HaChayal in Tel Aviv - owned by the Meuhedet and Leumit health funds.
According to a report by Or Hadar on the Ynet website, the reason for the drastic step is serious deficiencies found in the disinfection of medical instruments.
According to the report, the step was taken after a surprise inspection conducted at the hospital last night, following which a closure order was issued ordering the immediate cessation of activity in the operating rooms.
The inspection findings revealed that improper work processes are taking place in the operating room and in the central sterile supply, and that there is a significant shortage of personnel - a shortage that, according to the Ministry of Health, constitutes a real risk to patient safety.
Ynet learned that among the deficiencies discovered were problems with receiving sterile medical instruments intended for operating rooms.
According to the terms of the order, as of yesterday, the hospital's operating rooms are closed to all medical activities, and will remain so until the deficiencies discovered are fully corrected.
Surgeries at the hospital are currently being referred to Assuta Ramat HaHayal.
Rafael Hospital told Ynet: "This is a one-time incident that is being handled immediately and in full cooperation with the Ministry of Health. The operation rooms have been temporarily suspended, in accordance with the guidelines, while the rest of the hospital's operations continue as usual. Patient safety will continue to be our top priority.".
