A water line break at the Leader and District Healthcare facility last night resulted in multiple residents being moved out of the facility

The incident caused a loss of both power and heat, causing 25 residents to either be transferred to a care facility in Swift Current or to be taken in by family members.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), stated that Swift Current has ample capacity to welcome the patients, additionally, staff members from the Leader facility accompanied the residents during the transfer and staffing needs are being evaluated and is said they will be adjusted as necessary to support patient care.

According to the SHA, a contractor was scheduled to be on-site late last night to asses the damage, work has since been started to restore power to the facility.

The extent of the damage has not yet been determined, however, it was reported there is damage to a number of areas throughout the facility. No time-frame was given as to when the facility would be operational and until further notice, emergency outpatient and acute care services will not be available in Leader.

The SHA stated it was a collaborated effort by staff and physicians who made the quick decisions needed and to inform the families impacted. As more information is known, they will determine the next steps and provide updates as necessary.

The Leader and District Healthcare facility was recently completed with the grand opening being held October 28, 2018 after the project broke ground in December of 2016.

UPDATE: 3:00 pm February 8, 2019

The SHA stated, "The residents will be moving to a long-term care facility closer to home. These moves are expected to take place tonight and will ensure that the residents receive the most appropriate care. At this time the facility is expected to stay closed for several days."

They also specified that although the facility does have a back-up generator but was compromised in this circumstance.

Another update is expected to be provided by the SHA on February 11, 2019.

 

 Dr. Kevin Wasko, physician executive, Integrated Rural Health with the Saskatchewan Health Authority, provided an update earlier today on the incident.