MedStar, D.C.s largest hospital, diverts EMS traffic after facilities issue

The Washington region’s largest hospital, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, diverted ambulances most of the day Thursday and put elective procedures on hold because of facilities issues, officials said.

In two separate but simultaneous incidents, officials at the Northwest Washington hospital detected a water leak related to a sprinkler head on the second floor and a small leak in the air conditioning system, hospital spokeswoman So Young Pak said in a statement. The system had to be turned off, causing increased temperatures and humidity as temperatures climbed into the mid-80s.

The D.C. Department of Health worked with the hospital to divert ambulances to other hospitals in the region, which sometimes happens.

“To protect the wellbeing of patients and staff, DC Health is working with MedStar and relevant emergency responders to ensure that patients can access treatment and track progress as the hospital re-establishes standard environmental conditions,” agency spokesman Dorian Walker said in a statement.

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The minor leak affected two rooms in the emergency department but was quickly resolved, Pak said.

The air conditioning issue was discovered on Tuesday, and the hospital’s facilities team had hoped to repair a pipe without turning off the air conditioning. But on Thursday morning the leak got larger, requiring the system to be shut off during repairs, Pak said.

Although the system was working by about 10 a.m., the hospital and the D.C. health department decided to divert emergency medical services traffic to other hospitals. Elective procedures were put on hold, Pak said.

The diversions ended by 8 p.m. Thursday, Pak said.

The hospital was also using spot coolers. Other repairs are ongoing, Pak said.

The 912-bed hospital is a trauma center and a major teaching and research facility in the District.

Meagan Flynn contributed to this report.

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