NATCHEZ — Electrical problems at Natchez Regional Medical Center left patients and staff without air-conditioning for several hours Saturday.

NRMC Vice President for Medical Affairs Ken Stubbs said the hospital lost electricity for unknown reasons and had been operating on emergency back-up generators.

The problem, however, was that the generators could not power the air-conditioning units.

A man visiting a family member in the hospital said the experience was very uncomfortable.

“I would hate to be in there sick and be so hot,” said the man, who did not want to be identified.

Power was restored to the building at approximately 9:40 p.m.

Entergy Customer Service Manager Tim Runnels said the issue was not a supply problem, and as far as he knew the it was an internal issue.

NRMC administrators and facilities maintenance could not be reached Saturday evening

During the evening, the Natchez Fire Department also responded to an activated fire alarm at the hospital. Fire officials later said the call was  a false alarm.