Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point Closed After Fire

HUDSON, FL — Residents who normally use Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point for hospital services need to find a new place for care temporarily. A Wednesday night lightning strike sparked a fire that knocked out the facility’s power and damaged its generator.

“At this time RMCBP is not accepting any patients,” the hospital wrote in a Thursday statement. “While power has been reestablished, backup power is not yet available.”

The electrical fire, which broke out around 6:15 p.m. Wednesday, forced an evacuation of 209 patients to other hospitals in the region, according to Pasco County spokesman Doug Tobin. The fire itself was quickly knocked out by Engine 10 from Hudson.

Agencies from across Florida responded to help transport patients to other hospitals for care. Responding agencies included those from Pinellas, Hillsborough, Polk, Sumpter, Citrus and beyond, the county said.

The hospital reported that all patients were transferred by 1:30 a.m. Thursday to receive care and discharges, as appropriate.

A call line for family members has been set up at 877-344-1313, Option 9.

As of Thursday evening, the hospital announced it does not have an estimated time for all repairs to be made.

"We are estimated it will be next week before we will reopen to accept patients," a statement from the hospital said.

The hospital also thanked everyone who took part in Wednesday night's evacuation:

With extraordinary staff participation, coordination from local emergency agencies, and our sister HCA West Florida hospitals, we completed the successful evacuation of all 209 patients without incident to other hospitals in the region. We estimate that more than 70 EMS Ambulances, 10 Engine Companies, 3 Ambulance Buses, 2 task forces, 10 Sheriff Units, and Pasco Emergency Command were all involved. Again, we recognize the extraordinary efforts, coordination, and heroism throughout the event and we extend our sincerest thanks to everyone involved. We would also like to thank our community for their continued support and well wishes during this time.

For more information, visit RMCBP online. Employees in need of information about the closing can call 727-819-2911.

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