Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital: ED beds temporarily closed as works to fix burst sewage pipe continued

Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital’s emergency department continued to be disrupted on Thursday with patients temporarily relocated after a sewage spill two days ago. It is understood several patients in the emergency department’s observation ward had to be relocated on Thursday morning as works were undertaken to fix a burst pipe. The pipe was blocked on Tuesday night leading to a sewage leak, which caused several ED bays having to be cleared and cleaned in the aftermath. It is believed a disgruntled patient stuffed cups, towels, sanitary pads and a t-shirt down the toilet, causing a blockage and leak in the pipes. A SCGH spokeswoman said the emergency department was operating as normal on Thursday but there was a temporary closure of some beds due to the blockage. “A blocked sewerage pipe located within Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital’s Emergency Department led to the temporary closure of some beds over the past few days,” she said. “Focus was placed on ensuring appropriate care was maintained to patients temporarily relocated whilst the issue was fixed. “We apologise for any inconvenience caused to patients, visitors and staff by the plumbing incident.” She said the maintenance team responded quickly to clear the blockage.