Duke University Hospital’s ER Floods From Burst Water Pipe

Source: Lance King / Getty

Patients looking for immediate care at Duke University Hospital had to go elsewhere Friday morning (Dec. 27) after a pipe burst caused a flood in the emergency department.

A hospital spokesperson told WRAL that a pipe burst at around 11:40 PM Thursday night. Several areas within the building, including the emergency room, were flooded.

Patients already receiving care in the ER were safely relocated. However, incoming ambulance patients were sent to other facilities at Duke Regional, WakeMed, and UNC Hospitals.

Gordon Smith, interim chief paramedic for Durham County EMS, warned, “We’re busy as usual, but with the increased demand at the other local hospitals, that is putting a huge strain on them, as well as the local EMS systems. Wait times could be a little bit longer than people are used to.”

In a statement, Duke University Hospital said:

Emergency patients who arrive to Duke University Hospital by their own means are being attended to in alternative sites at the hospital that were unaffected by the flooding. We urge members of the public to seek emergency care at other area hospitals or an urgent care center if possible.

In response to the flood, the hospital set up a mobile unit with heat, electricity, and running water to treat patients quickly while repairs continued. Durham County Emergency Management assisted with the response.

“We just kind of maneuvered our way around and do what we do here at Duke, and try to figure things out,” said hospital researcher Kiliejah Moore.

She added:

“We have a lot of people that kind of step into positions to help out when things like this happen here at Duke. So I don’t see that this will be like an issue that will carry on through the weekend.”