Front door to Pullman Hospital still closed

Jan. 12—Pullman Regional Hospital’s front entrance will be closed for another week while the institution deals with water damage.

Early in the morning of Christmas Eve, a hospital clinical coordinator noticed a damaged overhead sprinkler pipe at the hospital’s entrance. Alison Weigley was the director of external relations at the hospital. She said that the Pullman Fire department responded within an hour to turn off the water supply. Staff members were able make dams with extra linens to reduce the damage.

Weigley explained that minor flooding occurred at the front entrance. The rest of the hospital was not damaged. Although carpet and drywall were damaged in the incident, no technology or medical equipment was lost. She said that the pipe burst likely due to winter’s significant freeze-thaw cycles.

Weigley indicated that the pipe’s break did not impact patient care, and that there are no long-term consequences.

Weigley stated that the hospital saw the incident as an opportunity to evaluate what needs to be done to improve the institution. PRH has been working with local architects on an expansion project. The reconstruction of the front door will be a part of these plans. She said that this is an excellent opportunity to replace old flooring with something newer.

Weigley stated that the incident did not affect the hospital’s expansion or revenue. An insurance claim will pay for repairs to the front door.

Weigley stated that reconstruction of the front entrance will continue through next week. The hospital is repairing the water damage. Patrons are asked to use the alternative entrance located in the main hospital. It is just to the right. Volunteers will be available to assist patients in getting to the hospital.

The reconstruction or burst pipe will not affect parking; patrons can still use the lot directly in front of the hospital’s main entrance.

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