Some surgeries being rescheduled after water main break at Halifax Infirmary

CITYnews halifax / By Mark Hodgins

Nova Scotia Health says a “significant water event” at the QEII’s Halifax Infirmary site is creating big problems at the hospital.

In a release, NSH said a broken water main line resulted in the loss of water and steam for all buildings on that campus – the Halifax Infirmary, Veterans Memorial Building and Abbie J. Lane.

“There is currently no running water for flushing toilets or drinking. Hand sanitizer is available and we are working to bring in drinking water and portable hand-washing stations/washrooms to as soon as possible,” the release read.

The hospital says all elective and non-urgent surgeries and procedures at the site are being cancelled and rescheduled.

“The emergency department is open but patients without emergency concerns are asked to visit another emergency department or virtual/community access point,” it said.

In an email to CityNews, Nova Scotia Health spokesperson Carla Adams said the water main was expected to be fixed today.

“A repair plan is underway for the broken pipe at the steam plant and water will be brought back online this evening. That will allow for regular operations but the water will not be drinkable for 24+ hours as a precaution,” Adams wrote.”

Adams said some appointments had been moved as of 5 p.m. Wednesday, and some ambulances were sent from the ED to Dartmouth General.

Water was being delivered to inpatient units for drinking and portable washrooms had been delivered to building entrances.

Final numbers on cancelled surgeries were expected by Thursday morning.