Emergency Department at QEII Health Sciences Centre Damaged by Sprinkler Activation

The emergency department at the busy QEII Health Sciences Centre in Halifax was recently damaged when a sprinkler was accidentally activated. According to a statement from the Nova Scotia Health Authority, a survey of the damage revealed that some areas will require several weeks to repair.

While the statement did not specify how the damage would affect the delivery of care at the Halifax Infirmary, it did reassure patients with urgent health concerns that they should not hesitate to visit an emergency department or call 911.

However, an internal memo obtained by CBC shed some light on the extent of the damage. The memo stated that several patient assessment and psychiatric emergency services rooms sustained water damage and are currently unusable. As a result of the flooding, these rooms will be out of service for several weeks.

Kevin Whittaker, a recent visitor to the emergency room, noted that the sprinkler issue seemed to be causing delays in patient care. He overheard nurses discussing the situation and expressed concern over their frustration and apparent workload.

Whittaker mentioned that a nurse informed him that a patient had become upset in their room on Sunday and inadvertently triggered the sprinkler system. Subsequently, a doctor addressed the waiting room, acknowledging the ongoing issue and warning of potential delays in care.

It is evident that the emergency department at QEII Health Sciences Centre is currently facing challenges due to the sprinkler damage. Patients are advised to seek alternative emergency care options if possible, while repairs are underway.