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The hospital transferred more than 70 patients as UMass Memorial’s Marlborough campus shut down inpatient care due to heat and water system failures.
The Marlborough campus of UMass Memorial Medical Center declared a “Code Black” on Sunday after its heating and water systems failed, prompting the evacuation of more than 70 patients to nearby hospitals.
According to a hospital statement, the facilities team reported a large valve break on campus at around 5:45 p.m. The break caused flooding in the boiler system, reducing heat to multiple areas of the facility.
The campus went into a “Code Black” and stopped any new ambulance arrivals to the Emergency Department.
The leadership team decided to transfer all inpatients to other hospitals, primarily within the UMass Memorial Health System.
Teams transported more than 70 patients by ambulance. The hospital notified families of the moves.
The hospital said it has resolved the valve issue and has removed all the water from the basement. However, mitigation efforts continue.
The Marlborough Campus remains open to walk-in emergency patients. However, patients admitted through the department and staff will transfer them to another facility.
The Marlborough Campus remains closed for inpatient services until further notice.
Except for mammography, all other outpatient services are closed, and staff will reschedule the appointments.
“We would like to express our deepest gratitude to everyone involved for the rapid and thoughtful response to this situation,” a spokesperson for the hospital said in a statement. “Our thanks to area fire departments and EMS from across the state as well as local officials for their assistance.”
Marlborough Hospital joined the UMass Medical Center at the beginning of the year, citing challenges of operating as a standalone hospital, such as physician shortages, limited on-site specialty services, and administrative barriers to patient transfers.
The hospital‘s website said the move allows them to “stabilize community care and keep more care local.”
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