HARRIS – Catskill Regional Medical Center remained operational
on Friday after a boiler malfunction resulted in a partial loss of the
heating system.
Thursday evening a routine assessment found an issue with the facility’s
primary boiler. Repairs were immediately begun and continued throughout
the night.
During the repair process Friday morning, the hospital’s secondary
boiler experienced a malfunction, causing diminished pressure in the heating
system and limited heat throughout the facility.
Authorities were notified immediately and the hospital’s emergency
plans for such a situation were initiated, allowing essential services
to be maintained and the safety and comfort of patients protected, Sullivan
County officials said.
A joint command structure was established with CRMC, the county and state
to assure needed resources were available and proper procedures implemented.
“As no significant drop in the hospital’s interior temperature
occurred, no evacuations were needed, and none are anticipated. Patient
care was not adversely impacted, as we routinely practice for events like
this,” said Vice President for Patient Care Services Rolland Bojo.
He said the secondary boiler has been repaired and heat has been restored
building-wide.
Bojo said staff continues to work to restore the normal functions of the
primary boiler, but in the meantime, the hospital has made arrangements
for a backup heating system to be quickly installed on-site out of an
abundance of caution.
