Several Halifax ER rooms out of service after sprinkler damage

A number of emergency department rooms will be out of service for several weeks at the busy QEII Health Sciences Centre in Halifax after they were damaged on Sunday when a sprinkler was activated.

A statement released Thursdayfrom the Nova Scotia Health Authority after CBC News asked for information on the incident said that following a survey of the damage, it was determined some areas wouldtake weeks to repair.

The statement did not specify the damage or whetherthe incident would affect the delivery of care, but in a follow up email, a spokesperson said theaffected areas includesome patient assessment and psychiatric emergency rooms.

"As a result, the emergency department is working with reduced space, which may lead to delays for those with less urgent concerns," wroteJennifer Lewandowski.

Patients with urgent health concerns should not hesitate to visit an emergency department or call 911, the statement said.

Staff directed to 'expedite discharges'

An internal Nova Scotia Health memo obtained by CBC said the affected rooms were expected to be out of service for several weeks.

It directs staff to "expedite discharges as soon as possible to free up space."

"Ensure that referrals to the [emergency department] for consultation are reviewed and limited to those requiring emergent consultation," said the memo, issued at 6 p.m. on Wednesday.

"Please ensure that all non-traditional care spaces are used, according to appropriate guidelines."

'Staff are very frustrated'

Kevin Whittakerwas in the emergency room Wednesday and said the sprinkler issue appeared to be causing delays in the delivery of care to patients.

"I overheard some of the nurses talking about it because they seem very put out that this had been going on and they're not telling any of the patients," said Whittaker, who was accompanying his sick sister.

"I know that the staff are very frustrated by it and they've been great, but they look a lot like they're overworked."

Whittaker said a nurse told him a patient had got upset in their room on Sunday and broke the sprinkler.

He said a doctor eventually came out and announced that there was a major issue they are dealing with in the emergency department and there could be delays.