Flooding at Walter Reed Disrupts Surgeries, Damages Multiple Buildings

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center is experiencing significant disruptions due to extensive flooding. The flooding has damaged several buildings, affecting patient care and surgical capacity. The Defense Health Agency reports that the flooding, resulting from the bursting of frozen pipes, impacted 50 rooms, 11 hallways, and five elevators.

The crisis started on January 20 when a sprinkler malfunctioned, discharging 60,000 gallons of water into hospital areas before containment efforts. The damage has rendered the hospital’s Sterilization Processing Department non-operational, significantly hindering its capacity to sterilize surgical equipment. Andrews Air Force Base and additional facilities are currently supplying sterilized tools for the urgent procedures at Walter Reed.

As a result of the flooding, elective and non-emergency surgeries are being moved, while urgent cases are proceeding with restricted capacity. In the past two weeks, 56 surgical cases have been transferred to other hospitals, along with 212 patient visits that have been rescheduled or deferred.

The Washington Post initially disclosed the extent of the damage, showcasing images of fallen ceilings and stagnant dirty water accumulating in patient rooms. Certain sections of the hospital experienced significant temperature increases, with surgical rooms exceeding 110°F due to a steam leak.

Although the flooding has ceased, complete repairs may require several weeks. The Defense Health Agency has confirmed the safe relocation of patients; however, Walter Reed staff are still facing considerable disruptions as they strive to restore hospital operations.

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