Access to emergency healthcare services in Halifax faced challenges due to a water main break at the city’s QEII infirmary site, resulting in a lack of running water and heat. One patient with accessibility needs shared his experience of being advised to leave due to difficulties accessing washroom facilities. Nova Scotia Health’s communications chief, John Gillis, explained that two water main breaks occurred in the same pipe, leading to the loss of water and steam for the entire Halifax Infirmary campus, impacting surgeries and patient care. Some surgeries at other hospitals are being rescheduled to accommodate urgent cases that would typically be handled at the Halifax Infirmary.
Gillis highlighted the difficulties faced by healthcare professionals in providing care under such conditions, stating that proceeding with dialysis and surgeries was challenging. Portable water stations and toilets were brought in as a temporary solution, with efforts being made to maintain inpatient care and keep the emergency department open for patients with urgent needs. Despite the challenges, boilers were back in operation, ensuring heat would be restored to the buildings. Gillis emphasized that the water main break was unrelated to the ongoing construction of the infirmary’s expansion project and that discussions were ongoing to determine when normal conditions could be restored.
Nova Scotia Health issued a statement urging patients without emergency concerns to visit another ER due to the lack of running water for flushing toilets or drinking at the Halifax Infirmary. All elective and non-urgent surgeries and procedures were canceled and rescheduled as a result of the water main break. The emergency response team was holding discussions to assess the situation and determine when the infirmary could return to normal conditions. Updates on service impacts were promised to follow soon, keeping patients informed of the situation.
The impact of the water main breaks was further exacerbated by the accessibility challenges faced by patients with mobility issues, such as David Macdonald, who shared his struggles with not being able to access washroom facilities due to his limited mobility. The need to transport water, washing stations, and portable toilets into the hospital highlighted the disruptions caused by the water main breaks. Despite the challenges, efforts were made to maintain essential services and care for patients, with the emergency department remaining open for those in need.
As the situation unfolded, efforts were made to address the immediate needs of patients and ensure their comfort and safety despite the lack of running water and heat. Communication from Nova Scotia Health outlined the impact of the water main break on the hospital’s operations and the steps being taken to mitigate disruptions. The challenges faced by healthcare workers in providing care under such conditions were highlighted, emphasizing the resilience and dedication of staff in ensuring patient safety and well-being. Plans were underway to restore normal conditions at the Halifax Infirmary and resume services once the water main issues were resolved.
Despite the challenges posed by the water main breaks at the Halifax Infirmary, healthcare professionals and staff worked tirelessly to maintain essential services and provide care to patients in need. The coordination of efforts to transport water and portable facilities into the hospital showcased the commitment to ensuring patient comfort and safety. As discussions continued to determine the timeline for restoring normal conditions, patients were encouraged to seek alternate emergency care options until the issues were resolved. The ongoing impact of the water main breaks highlighted the importance of infrastructure maintenance and emergency preparedness in ensuring the continuity of healthcare services in Halifax.
