Durham Reporter

Crews at Duke University Hospital are working continuously to restore services in the Emergency Department after a chilled water pipe burst on December 26, causing flooding. The hospital has reopened its emergency department's front entrance, waiting room, and 16 beds. Additional clinical units are being used for patients who arrive by their own means. This accounts for most of the 76 spaces typically available in the Emergency Department.

Currently, ambulance traffic is still diverted, but some ambulance services are expected to resume later today. The hospital has accepted over 100 transfer patients from other hospitals needing inpatient care over the past four days. Surgical cases continue as usual.

Significant damage occurred in adjacent radiology areas, with imaging services redistributed throughout the hospital and health system, prioritizing acute care patients first.

"Our priority is the safety and care of our patients," stated Duke University Hospital representatives. They expressed gratitude towards neighboring hospitals for their support during this event.

The burst pipe was a chilled water line used for heating and cooling; while not drinking water, it is treated to prevent biological growth and corrosion. As it flowed through ceilings and walls, it picked up debris. Efforts led by the Occupational & Environmental Safety Office (OESO), Infection Prevention team, and hospital leadership ensure safe recovery initiatives.

Flooding mainly affected the first floor near the Emergency Department; inpatient units or surgical suites on other floors were unaffected. Patients arriving independently are cared for in alternate locations within the hospital.

Efforts continue to reopen more ED beds along with triage areas by this weekend. Ambulance service remains diverted temporarily but will resume soon. Appreciation was extended to EMS partners and local healthcare facilities ensuring community access to urgent medical care.

Duke University Hospital is committed to restoring high-quality patient care with minimal disruptions during this unprecedented event.