Grantham Hospital announces incident of fresh water supply suspension

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Grantham Hospital (GH) made the following announcement today (March 9) regarding a suspension of fresh water supply incident:

     The hospital fully filled both fresh and seawater tanks of the Main Block to facilitate the construction works for the hospital redevelopment project this morning. It was subsequently suspected that fresh water supply in the Main Block was contaminated with seawater. The facility management team immediately suspended the fresh water supply to the Main Block, the ancillary wing of the Main Block, and Block A. Thorough inspection was conducted and the preliminary findings suspected that there was seawater overflowing into the fresh water tank through the upper part of the tank.

     The hospital is very concerned about the incident. Emergency repair has been arranged immediately. The hospital will subsequently disinfect the fresh water tank and arrange testing of water samples to ensure the safety of the water supply. During this period, distilled water and drinking water will be distributed to staff and patients affected.

     The hospital has also conducted immediate inspections of the fresh water tanks in other buildings. No abnormal conditions have been found. The incident mainly affects the fresh water supply for inpatient services at the hospital. The operating theatres, outpatient clinics and kitchen services located in other buildings have not been affected.

     The hospital has reported the incident to the Hospital Authority Head Office via the Advance Incident Reporting System, and apologises for any inconvenience caused to the patients. GH will closely follow up on the repair and disinfection arrangements in the coming days. The hospital has also reported the incident to the Water Supplies Department, which will deploy a water wagon to temporarily provide fresh water to support the hospital.