Safety

Hospital almost evacuates after power loss

Hospital Safety Connection, July 26, 2006

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Severe storms in the St. Louis area last week nearly forced a hospital to evacuate 240 patients.

Gateway Regional Medical Center in Granite City, IL, near the Missouri border, lost power twice for extended periods last Wednesday through Friday, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported.

Emergency generators kicked in, but they aren't hooked up to the hospital's cooling system, which led to inside temperatures rising to 85 degrees at 10 p.m. on July 21.

The hospital made plans to evacuate patients to other medical centers, but two hours before the move was to take place, the utility company restored power, according to the Post-Dispatch.

Questions have arisen about the utility provider's priorities for power restoration to healthcare facilities and other essential services.



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