A water leak last week at Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH) could have been much more damaging than it was.
A Code Grey was called Friday afternoon after a staff member noticed a “significant leak” in the water-main supply, which was causing flooding below the ramp at the main entrance and running into the electrical room, said OSMH president and CEO Carmine Stumpo.
“It had the potential to compromise our electrical supply,” he said.
A Code Grey is activated when there’s the potential of “loss of critical infrastructure,” he explained.
Friday’s incident happened at about 3 p.m. Staff nearing the end of their shift were advised to stay on site in case they were needed to help evacuate the building. That was not required.
The taps had to be turned off for a short period of time and the incident delayed a few procedures, “but nothing serious,” Stumpo said.
After the Orillia Fire Department and Orillia Power responded, the matter was resolved in about an hour and a half.
Repairs have been made to the water pipe.
Stumpo said the incident highlights some of the issues with infrastructure in older buildings. For example, putting an electrical room below grade is “not the ideal way of designing,” and it’s not the way it will be designed in the new hospital.
Stumpo thanked his staff and everyone who responded.
“They knew it was a priority and everyone pitched in to help,” he said.
