CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio — Berger Hospital in Circleville will reopen in phases following a Wednesday evacuation prompted by smoke from an overheated basement pump, OhioHealth officials said.
The hospital’s emergency department is set to resume operations at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 19, 2025. Inpatient services, scheduled provider office visits, and the Quest lab on campus will reopen Friday, June 20, according to OhioHealth.
Hospital-based outpatient services remain closed until further notice, the health system said.
OhioHealth is contacting patients with affected appointments via phone or MyChart to reschedule. Patients with scheduling questions can call 614-566-1111.
The evacuation followed reports of smoke in the hospital’s basement at 600 N. Pickaway St., prompting a response from multiple fire agencies. No fire was found, and the building was cleared for reentry Wednesday afternoon.
During the incident, 55 patients were safely transferred to other hospitals, Circleville High School, or discharged, OhioHealth said. An investigation into the incident is ongoing.