| Timeline of events leading up to hospital evacuation and subsequent investigation |
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| Local Content - Local News |
| Written by publisher |
| Tuesday, 02 March 2010 21:25 |
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By Angela Litke Feb. 19 (Fri.) - Schwan drove to Maple Creek and took samples of suspect material, returned to Swift Current and prepared them to be sent for analysis. Feb. 22 (Mon.) - The samples were sent to the provincial OHS lab. Feb. 25 (Thurs.) - At about 4 p.m. results from the provincial lab were received which confirmed that the samples contained asbestos. The health region decided to evacuate the hospital as quickly as possible since the asbestos was located in a room that housed ventilation equipment and the potential existed for asbestos to be distributed throughout the building via the ventilation system. Five patients were in the hospital at the time. One was discharged home, three were sent to Shaunavon Hospital and one was sent to Swift Current hospital. According to Martin, those patients who were coherent and cognizant, and able to act on their own behalf were advised of the situation and relocated. For other patients, next of kin who were identified on admittance were contacted and notified that there was an air quality issue and their family member was being relocated. Dr. Radevski in consultation with nursing staff determined where each patient would be transferred depending on the level of care needed and beds available. Follow-up discussions were held with patients and family members on Friday morning. Feb. 26 (Fri.) - Provincial ohs representatives arrived and examined documentation. In a press release issued by the health region, it states, “a review of whether internal processes were followed in accordance with the provincial Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations is underway. Due to the initial investigation results, health region employees have been suspended pending the results of the investigation, as concerns have been identified that proper asbestos handling protocols/procedures were not being followed.” How many employees were suspended, their names and what department they work in have not been revealed. A 24-hour “assessment centre” was set-up at Pacific Avenue Clinic to serve as an emergency clinic staffed by nursing staff with a physician on-call. Feb. 27 (Sat.) - A company which specializes in air quality testing was at the hospital and began air quality testing. Initial results are very optimistic according to Martin. “It looks like the risk of exposure is not widespread,” he said Feb. 28. Final results were expected late Sunday or early Monday. Mar. 1 (Mon.) - An asbestos abatement company was to clean up hazardous material and dispose of it properly. If the building is then found safe to re-enter, normal operations will resume, possibly as early as Wednesday.
EMS personnel take a patient at the assessment clinic to the ambulance to transport to hospital. An assessment clinic has been set up at Pacific Avenue Clinic for the duration of the hospital closure. Photo by Angela Litke |
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