Burnaby Hospital ER reopens to walk-in patients after fire
Posted November 16, 2020 1:50 pm.
Last Updated November 16, 2020 8:54 pm.
BURNABY (NEWS 1130) — The emergency department at Burnaby Hospital has reopened to walk-in patients after being temporarily closed due to a fire late Sunday.
A statement Monday from Fraser Health says no patients will be admitted.
“Burnaby Hospital Emergency Department has re-opened for walk-in patients who require treatment and can return to their home. Patients who require admission to the hospital will continue to be transported to neighbouring hospitals with the support of hospital transports and BC Emergency Health Services,” it reads.
The fire did not damage the emergency department, but air pollution has prompted its closure for the safety of patients and staff. Eighteen patients have been transferred to other hospitals in the health region.
“We continue to assess the damage to the site and, for the time being, we have temporarily closed the Burnaby Hospital Emergency Department,” says a release from Fraser Health.
According to the Burnaby fire department, the fire was initially coming from a non-patient area of the building.
UPDATE: b/c of the fire at Burnaby Hospital, the emergency department has been closed for now. People requiring urgent care are being asked to visit neighbouring hospital emergency departments & the Edmonds Urgent & Primary Care Centre in #Burnaby, according to @Fraserhealth
— Ria Renouf (@riarenouf) November 16, 2020
It sent staff and patients running out into the parking lot late Sunday. Some were seen wrapped in blankets and standing together following the evacuation.
The dozens of patients and staff were out in the cold for hours, however, a TransLink bus showed up to allow people a chance to warm up.
READ ALSO: Burnaby Hospital evacuated due to fire
No one was injured in the fire.
Patients and staff have since been allowed to re-enter the hospital. However, some patients had to be relocated out of caution.
The essential visitors policy will be strictly enforced at this time, says Fraser Health.
–with files from Kareem Gouda and Mike Lloyd
