ER cleanup to take three weeks

Great River Medical Center has been working to accommodate patients since its Emergency Department flooded last week.

Last Wednesday, a pipe burst in the ER, causing flooding to the whole department. Since then, hospital staff has relocated all ER services to the hospital's same-day surgery area, but patients can still access care through the emergency room entrance. According to a release from GRMC's administration, a registration clerk and medical personnel are stationed at the emergency room entrance to register and triage patients. Patients will then be assisted to the same-day surgery area where physicians will provide care.

Same-day surgery patients will continue to register at the main entrance of the hospital, and will receive care on the second floor Med/Surg unit.

This arrangement is expected to last for approximately three weeks, while reconstruction and repairs are made to the ER department. The hospital administration is asking that patients and community are patient and excuse the mess as repairs continue.

sharris@blythevillecourier.com