A power cut at Great Ormond Street children’s hospital forced surgeons to finish an operation using the torches on their mobile phones.
The central London hospital, which treats 76,000 kids a year, has been blighted by power outages, water leaks, and issues with air filtration systems.
Recurring problems have led to delayed and cancelled operations, impacting patient safety and stopping patients from receiving timely care.
At one point last year, six of the hospital’s 15 operating theatres were out of action for maintenance.
In the most serious incident, in late 2023, power failed midway through complex spinal surgery.
