Services at Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital affected by water main break

There has been a significant water event at Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital due to a break in the municipal water line, resulting in the loss of water at the site. 

There is currently no running water for flushing toilets or drinking. Hand sanitizer is available and drinking water is being transported to the site. 

The incident is impacting the services that can be provided at the hospital today (Wednesday, May 15). These impacts include:

• The emergency department is open but patients without emergency concerns are asked to contact their primary care provider or try another virtual/community access point. The urgent treatment centre at Victoria County Memorial Hospital in Baddeck is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Please visit yourhealthns.ca or use the YourHealthNS app for other care options. 
• Renal dialysis is cancelled for the day.
• Oncology treatments and clinics are cancelled for the remainder of the day.
• Ambulatory care and outpatient clinics are cancelled.
• Outpatient lab (blood) collections appointments are cancelled. 
• Outpatient x-ray and scheduled appointments are cancelled for all diagnostic imaging services i.e. x-ray, EKG and ultrasound. 
• Outpatient rehab and Hip and Knee clinic appointments are cancelled. 
• Mental Health and Addictions outpatient clinic remains open however, appointment will be moved to virtual where possible. Clients can contach the clinic if they have any questions. The provincial Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line can also be reached 24/7 by calling 1-888-429-8167.
• Primary care collaborative clinics and diabetes education centre/clinics in the community health centre will provide care virtually as appropriate. Patients will be contacted directly. 

Efforts will be made to contact patients and clients directly to reschedule their appointments. 

Nova Scotia Health appreciates your flexibility and cooperation as we work through this unexpected event. We understand the challenges this situation presents to staff, and our patients, families and communities.