Aug 102012
The $302 million Fort St. John Hospital and Peace Villa, that opened just seven weeks ago, now has “do not drink” notices posted at all water fountains and taps throughout the facility.
Northern Health says a recent water sample revealed high particulate levels from a source within the complex, and to avoid taking chances, has issued a boil water advisory for the entire brand new hospital and seniors’ residential care facility.
Tests have not yet confirmed contamination, but Northern Health says that it is working with the B.C. Centre for Disease Control to determine their next steps. In the meantime, surgical staff are scrubbing with regular disinfectant, and are required to rinse with boiled water.
Bottled water is now being distributed to patients, residents and staff until the source of the questionable sample is pinpointed. Officials say that daily operations of the hospital and care centre are not affected, and the boil water advisory is currently limited to the complex. So far, it does not appear to extend to the city of Fort St. John.
