Livingston Hospital Still Reeling From Major Water Main Break

LIVINGSTON, NJ — Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston is still recovering from the impact of a major water main break a day after it took place, administrators reported Friday.

The water main break happened on Thursday morning outside of the RWJBarnabas Health-run hospital, which treats patients from across North Jersey.

The hospital remained open, but was forced to postpone or cancel many surgeries and some outpatient services. Out of an “abundance of caution,” the hospital also diverted ambulances to other nearby facilities – with the exception of burn patients. The emergency department remained open for patient walk-ins. Read More: Livingston Hospital Diverts Ambulances After Water Main Break

On Friday, a spokesperson with RWJBarnabas Health gave an update on the situation, noting that the water main was repaired around 7 p.m. the previous night.

The hospital is open, but “non-emergent” surgeries and some outpatient services remain postponed. The emergency department is open for patient walk-ins, she said.

In addition:

“As the safety of our patients and employees is paramount, the hospital is on a water restriction until testing is completed and the water is at an optimal safety level for consumption. The water testing began early this morning and the process typically takes the water company between 24 to 48 hours to complete.”

“Thank you to our patients and communities for your continued patience and understanding as we continue to navigate this situation,” the hospital’s statement continued. “We also extend our gratitude to our team and our community partners for expediting the repairs quickly and ensuring the safety and care of our patients and employees.”

FRIDAY EVENING UPDATE

The hospital issued another status update on Friday around 4:45 p.m. It read:

"Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center is pleased to report that the emergency department is no longer on divert status and the hospital will resume all medical procedures and surgeries tomorrow morning. Emergent procedures will continue throughout the day today."

"As the safety of our patients and employees is paramount, the hospital is limiting water use until testing is completed by the water company and the water is at an optimal safety level for consumption," administrators said.

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