Operations were suspended at three Edmonton hospitals on May 4 following the receipt of a mysterious email.

The message, which was sent by an Alberta Health Services (AHS) staff member, potentially threatened the safety of operating room equipment, according to a statement issued by AHS on May 5.

As a precaution, 23 operations were postponed at the Walter C. MacKenzie Health Sciences Centre, which includes the University of Alberta Hospital, Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute and Stollery Children’s Hospital.

The Edmonton Police Service confirms that it was contacted at 2:15 p.m. on May 4 and is currently investigating the suspicious email.

As of May 5, all scheduled surgeries and procedures were underway as per usual at the Centre, the statement said. In addition to regular procedures, which ensure physicians and technicians routinely complete equipment checks, an additional assessment of main operation room equipment was conducted.

“Following an in-depth investigation, as well as additional safety precautions, we are confident in the decision made by AHS physician[s] and senior leadership to proceed with today’s procedures,” said AHS communications director Kerry Williamson in the statement. He could not give any further details about the event or the contents of the email.

“The ongoing safety and care of patients, their families and our staff is our chief priority, and we will continue to make sure this is upheld,” Williamson said.