Lexington, NC -- A spokesperson for Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center says chunks of the ceiling tile fell at Lexington Memorial Hospital on Tuesday when a storm passed through.
The storm also caused tiles to fall in one of the hospital's operating rooms and water started coming through the light fixtures. All surgeries were cancelled and EMS will be diverted to other hospitals.
Update: Wednesday, hospital officials released the following information about the damage.
Officials have started assessing damage caused by Tuesday's storm at Wake Forest Baptist Lexington Medical Center. They have also hired a company that specializes in water damage to do the restoration work.
Most of the damage was in the surgical area, resulting in elective procedures being postponed. One of the four operating rooms was not damaged and is being used for emergency C-sections.
"Our first priority is the safety of our patients, and we will not resume surgery in the other three operating rooms until we are satisfied that the environment is completely safe for surgical procedures," said Steve Snelgrove, president.
"We believe that about 25 cases will need to be rescheduled," said Snelgrove. "Patients have been contacted and have been most understanding about the situation. We are sorry for the inconvenience to them."
Emergency surgical cases other than C-sections will be handled at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem. "The staff in Wake Forest Baptist is supporting us in every way possible," he said.
The damage from the storm was the result of the heavy rain during a brief time yesterday that caused drains on the roof to overflow and water to come into the hospital. Drywall, ceiling tiles and insulation around duct work were damaged in three operating rooms and a minor procedure room. Water damage was minimal in the nursery and two patient rooms.
The surgical staff has agreed to work longer hours to accommodate surgical cases and physicians are working closely together to schedule cases.