CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio — OhioHealth Berger Hospital in Circleville was evacuated and and will remained closed until further notice after an overheating pump released smoke into the ventilation system, hospital officials said. The closure was announced in a statement, with no reopening date specified as cleaning and restoration efforts continue.
No fire was reported, according to the hospital’s update. Patients with scheduled appointments will be contacted by phone or through MyChart to reschedule, officials said.
Hospital staff, working with emergency responders, evacuated most patients during the incident. Critically ill and unstable patients were transferred by ambulance to other medical facilities, while stable patients were moved to Circleville High School, where nursing staff provided care. Fifty-five patients were discharged and sent home, the hospital said.
OhioHealth Berger Hospital thanked first responders, staff, and the community for their support and cooperation during the response.
The incident began earlier Wednesday, though specific details about the time were not disclosed. Authorities continue to assess the situation as the hospital works to resume operations.