GNDF blocks intersection near the LACGH during reported gas leak - Photo by Emily Chatwood / myFM News
Update on gas leak from Lennox and Addington County General Hospital as of May 26th at 4:30am.
Normal operations have resumed at Lennox and Addington County General Hospital after a precautionary response to a small leak involving the hospital’s oxygen storage tank system.
Hospital officials confirmed the issue has now been fully resolved following assessment and response efforts completed in partnership with the Napanee Fire Department.
The incident earlier prompted a partial evacuation at the hospital, including temporary impacts to the Emergency Department. Officials say the evacuation order has since been lifted and all departments have reopened and returned to normal operations.
Hospital representatives stressed there was no ongoing risk to patients, staff, visitors, or the surrounding community during or after the incident.
Officials thanked emergency responders, hospital staff, partner organizations, patients, and community members for their cooperation and patience throughout the precautionary response.
(By: Tim Baltz)
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(The LACGH has issued a statement. It can be found at the bottom of the article.)
The Lennox and Addington General Hospital emergency room in Napanee was closed around 11:30 this evening after a reported leaking oxygen tank triggered a major hazardous materials response.
The Greater Napanee Fire Department and the Lennox and Addington Ontario Provincial Police secured the area at 8 Richmond Park Drive.
As a precaution, the hospital and nearby long-term care areas were evacuated while crews worked to contain the situation.
Police are urging the public to avoid the area and ask patients requiring medical attention to attend the next closest hospital.
Fire officials said they expected the incident to be resolved around 3 a.m.
Written by Emily Chatwood
The LACGH issued the following statement at 1:04am:
A small leak has been identified in the hospital’s oxygen storage tank system.
Working closely with the Napanee Fire Department and Fire Chief, and out of an abundance of caution, a partial evacuation of a portion of the hospital is currently underway while the situation is assessed and managed safely.
Please note:
• The affected area is NOT occupied by hospital inpatients or residents.
• There is currently no risk to admitted patients or residents within the organization.
• The Emergency Department is included within the impacted area.
As a result, we are asking members of the public to seek emergency care elsewhere at this time unless it is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate assistance, in which case call 911.
Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) and Quinte Health hospitals are operating as normal and remain available to support emergency care needs during this time.
Patients with scheduled appointments in affected areas may be contacted directly if changes are required.
We appreciate the quick response and ongoing support of Napanee Fire Department and our hospital teams as we work through this precautionary response.
Further updates will be shared as information becomes available.
Thank you for your patience, understanding, and cooperation.
