Prince George, B.C.- An issue with  fluctuations in power at the University Hospital of Northern BC has resulted in the cancellation of elective surgeries  for today.

During a routine  maintenance  procedure, power irregularities were  discovered, impacting  some of the systems at the hospital, including  the elevators and the Northern Health network which carries patient data.

In a statement issued moments ago,  Northern Health says  ” Out of an abundance of  caution, we will be cancelling elective surgical procedures for the day.  The emergency room is open , but we’re asking  people that do not have an emergency to avoid the hospital  for today.”

While the power has been  restored, it takes time to bring all the systems back on line and those systems will be brought back on line throughout the day.

“Patient care is our top  priority and our staff and physicians are working hard to  ensure the needs of patients are met” reads the statement.