GNDF blocks intersection near the LACGH during reported gas leak - Photo by Emily Chatwood / myFM News
New details have been released about the oxygen leak that temporarily shut down the Emergency Department at Lennox and Addington County General Hospital in Napanee late Monday night.
In a release sent to local media, hospital officials said the hazardous materials incident involved a concentrated oxygen leak from the hospital’s main oxygen storage tank system near the north side of the Emergency Department. “Preliminary information indicates the incident stemmed from an oxygen delivery earlier in the day.”
The Greater Napanee Fire Department responded around 10:35 p.m. and confirmed a significant oxygen release from the tank, which has a capacity of 320 cubic metres.
As a precaution, an emergency perimeter was established and later expanded while Ontario Provincial Police and additional fire crews assisted at the scene.
Staff in laboratory and diagnostic imaging areas, along with residents in the Oakwood long-term care section, were internally relocated. Hospital inpatients and CVC residents were not affected. “Families of long-term care residents who were temporarily relocated as part of the precautionary evacuation were contacted directly the following morning to provide a personal update and confirm that residents had safely returned to their home area.”
The Emergency Department temporarily closed, with ambulance calls redirected to nearby hospitals including Kingston Health Sciences Centre and Quinte Health facilities.
Officials said the leak was fully stopped around 3:20 a.m., and no injuries were reported.
The hospital wanted to share the following acknowledgements:
“Lennox & Addington County General Hospital would like to thank the Greater Napanee Fire Department, Ontario Provincial Police, Emergency Medical Services, Hospital and Long-Term Care Resident Home staff, regional healthcare partners including Kingston Health Sciences Centre and Quinte Health, technical service providers, patients, residents, visitors, families, and community members for their cooperation, professionalism, and support throughout the response.
The coordinated response by emergency services, healthcare partners, and hospital teams helped ensure the incident was managed safely and effectively, with patient, resident, staff, visitor, and community safety remaining the priority throughout the event.”
Written by Emily Chatwood
