Jefferson Methodist Hospital plans to reopen Saturday morning
Patients were evacuated from the 220-bed hospital early Wednesday and treated at other hospitals, Jefferson officials said.
Jefferson Methodist Hospital will reopen on Saturday morning after a power outage closed the South Philadelphia hospital for several days this week.
The hospital lost power on Tuesday evening. Officials at the time said they were investigating the cause of the outage, but that it appeared to be related to an “external water source.”
Police told television crews on the scene that the hospital’s basement had been flooded with three feet of water.
Patients were evacuated from the 220-bed hospital early Wednesday and treated at other hospitals, Jefferson officials said. A small team of staff remained at Methodist to “redirect” anyone who arrived and transfer patients who need care to other facilities.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health authorized the hospital to reopen at 7 a.m. Saturday morning, officials said.
“This swift reopening is a testament to the dedication, coordination, and rapid response of hundreds of Jefferson colleagues and partners who worked around-the-clock to maintain our patients’ uninterrupted care,” Jefferson CEO Joseph G. Cacchione said in a statement.
Hospital officials said they will also celebrate Methodist’s reopening at its annual health fair on Saturday, June 6, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event, which is open to the public, will feature free health screenings and refreshments.
