Alternate arrangements have been made for the provision of necessary water supplies (i.e. bottled water for drinking, alcohol rub dispensers for handwashing, fans instead of air conditioning, bulk water for domestic needs, etc.). Emergency surgical and diagnostic procedures will continue to take place. However, elective surgical procedures and diagnostic procedures including mammography, breast screening and CT will be deferred and rescheduled. Patients will be contacted by the respective department for rescheduling of appointments.

“We have put in place a number of contingency plans to help manage the shutdown of our water system,” says Stephen Street, Corporate Director, Support Services, Ross Memorial Hospital. “We understand that this will create some inconvenience for patients and visitors, as well as for our staff and physicians, and we ask everyone for their patience and understanding as we work towards completing Phase I of our expansion project.”

Phase I of Ross Memorial’s expansion project is expected to be completed later this fall. Upon completion of this phase, occupancy will take place in the Continuing Care Program Wing, which includes Palliative Care, Rehabilitation and Complex Care. As well this fall, the newly renovated area of the Emergency Department will become operational, while old Emergency becomes vacated for renovations as part of Phase II. The new main lobby will also be ready as part of Phase I, with the new Coffee and Gift Shop open for business, to be operated by the Ross Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.