DURHAM, NC – Duke University Hospital’s emergency department is steadily recovering from severe flooding caused by a burst cold water pipe on December 26. While the hospital’s emergency department remained under diversion for ambulance traffic Monday morning, operations are gradually returning to normal, according to Duke Health officials.
The flooding, which significantly damaged parts of the hospital, has led to five days of intensive recovery efforts. Despite the disruption, most areas of the emergency department are now functioning, and surgical cases have continued without interruption.
Current Status and Recovery Progress
As of Monday morning, the hospital’s front entrance, waiting room, and 16 emergency department beds are back in use. Duke Health has also adapted by utilizing clinic spaces to treat emergency patients arriving via private vehicles.
Officials reported that 76 of the department’s original treatment spaces are now operational, with workers making steady progress to restore critical services. Ambulance traffic is expected to resume later Monday, marking another step toward full recovery.
However, the adjacent radiology areas remain closed due to extensive damage. Imaging services have been redistributed across other hospital locations, with critical care patients receiving priority.
“Our priority is the safety and care of our patients,” Duke Health officials stated. “We appreciate our amazing teams working non-stop to restore access to the services patients need as we recover from this unprecedented incident. We also extend our gratitude to our neighboring hospitals who have taken amazing care of the community during this event.”
Impact on Patient Care
Duke University Hospital, a key facility for accepting patients transferred from other hospitals, has received more than 100 patients in the last four days despite the challenges posed by the flooding. The ability to maintain surgical operations and adapt emergency care demonstrates the resilience of the hospital staff and its contingency planning.
Community Support and Collaboration
Duke Health officials have praised the collaboration with neighboring hospitals, which played a vital role in managing the overflow of emergency cases during the crisis. These partnerships ensured uninterrupted care for the community while Duke worked to restore its own capabilities.
Next Steps
The hospital continues to prioritize repairs to its radiology department, a critical component of emergency care. Duke Health remains committed to restoring full functionality as quickly as possible, while maintaining patient safety as the top priority.
Stay Updated
For more local news and updates on Duke University Hospital’s recovery efforts, subscribe to the Bull City Citizen Newspaper. Visit our website or pick up a copy to stay informed about the stories that matter to Durham.
As Duke University Hospital nears full recovery, this incident highlights the strength of our healthcare system and the importance of community support during challenging times. Stay tuned for continued coverage as this story develops.
