St. Mary's Hospital was forced to cancel 19 scheduled colonoscopies after some high-priced equipment was stolen this week.
The appointments were for Wednesday, September 27. It's believed the theft occurred overnight Tuesday into Wednesday.
The equipment, used in endoscopies and colonoscopies, was stolen from the hospital's gastroenterology department, located in the sub-basement with a nearby door which exits to the parking lot.
Montreal police were called Wednesday morning as soon as the theft was discovered. Neither the hospital or police department would comment on the investigation.
In a statement, the CIUSSS de l'Ouest-de-l'Île-de-Montréal said 90 per cent of the patients affected have had their appointments rescheduled to be seen by the end of the week. The remaining 10 per cent will be rescheduled shortly.
Since the theft the CIUSSS has stepped up security across its entire network.