Maple Creek Hospital reopen
The hospital is now reopened, as of the evening of Feb. 1.
An airborne asbestos threat at the Maple Creek Hospital caused its evacuation and the suspension of employees late last week. The facility was closed just after 5 p.m. on Feb. 25 because of concerns related to potentially loose asbestos. Patients were transfered or released and all staff were ordered to leave the building. The asbestos contamination was removed yesterday, and pending air quality results, officials are hopeful the facility will be reopened this week.
Beth Vachon, executive director of health services for Cypress Health Region, says staff at the hospital alerted officials.
“On Feb. 18, our director of occupational health and safety had gone out to Maple Creek just to participate in their regular and routine occupational health and safety meeting. When he returned back to his office, he had a message from one of the (Maple Creek) occupational safety committee members that there were some concerns that they wanted to bring to his attention regarding our air intake room at the Maple Creek hospital,” she explained.
On Feb. 19, the room was inspected and it was apparent that some asbestos had come loose. Samples were taken and sent in to the provincial lab in Regina for testing. The results came back positive at 4 p.m. on Feb. 25. The decision to close the hospital was made within an hour to err on the side of caution.
“It was at that point that we moved very quickly to close the hospital so by 5 p.m. we were transferring patients and relocating our staff and closing the building. This is precautionary, we know that we have a potential air quality issue in this building so we have taken the measures at this point under due diligence to ensure that we have people only working in safe environments and patient care occurring in safe environments,” said Vachon.
Vachon says there wasn’t a lot of the dangerous material, but the health region still had to respond to the threat.
“It doesn’t take a lot, right? Whenever you’ve got asbestos that’s loose, that can create a health hazard. It wasn’t pounds and pounds of loose asbestos by any stretch. So probably, it could be deemed a relatively small amount.”
Vachon and health region spokesperson Bryce Martin both said there have never been any previous concerns brought to the health region’s attention regarding loose asbestos. However, the hospital had failed to post signs in areas of the facility in which asbestos is located. The lack of signage was brought to the region’s attention last year as the result of a regular occupational health and safety inspection by the province.
“It was noted that we needed to label all of our asbestos, but at that time there were certainly no concerns at all brought forward that there was loose asbestos,” said Vachon.
On Sat., Feb. 27, a company was brought in for air quality testing and initial results indicate a safe level of air quality. As a result of final testing, the hospital was reopened.
A company specializing in the removal and disposal of asbestos was on-site yesterday to ensure the hazard was cleared and the area cleaned.
Martin did confirm employees at the hospital have been suspended, but did not elaborate as to the precise reason behind the decision.
“It has been determined that we’ve had some employees that it appears have not fulfilled or addressed issues in regards to proper asbestos handling. What has happened is that as part of the investigation, we have had the necessity to suspend employees pending investigation because we do want to ensure that we look into this issue fully and that includes chatting with the staff, the processes and the assessment of the situation at hand in that room,” Martin explained.
“We have to keep in mind that all of this is being done as a precautionary measure,” said Dr. David Torr, consulting medical health officer for the region. “It’s not a sudden acute exposure of asbestos. Asbestos-related disease is really more of a chronic phenomenon and we have to keep in mind that pretty much everyone gets exposed to asbestos at sometime during their life because we have asbestos everywhere – in the air, in the water, in the soil. But the levels usually people get exposed to are quite low. However because asbestos has been used in a lot of different kinds of materials, especially for buildings, there are stringent regulations and protocols to make sure that there’s no excessive exposure from those kinds of things like pipework and years before drywall had quite a bit of asbestos in it.”
Heather Reznechenko, the daughter-in-law of a patient transferred from the hospital when it was closed to the Shaunavon facility is unhappy with the health region’s communication over the matter.
“They knew it was coming, they were waiting for the test results. I think they should have been a little bit more prepared for the findings. I think they should have had a contingency plan that was shared with all of the staff that was involved and the patients and their families,” said Reznechenko.
She says family members were only told they had to leave the hospital, but were not told why until a staff member finally indicated it may have had something to do with air quality. Reznechenko believes not knowing leads patients and their families to fear the worst.
“Thursday night was such a whirlwind, nobody knew what was happening and it’s the fear of the unknown that affected the staff members, the families involved and especially the patients,” Reznechenko said, adding her mother-in-law needed to take anti-anxiety medication before being transfered.
“Communication should have been the first and foremost thing to happen,” said Reznechenko, adding that staff at both the Maple Creek and Shaunavon facilities have been excellent.
Asbestos is a generic term given to a group of naturally occurring mineral silicates made up of long and thin fibers. Asbestos was frequently used in the construction industry because of traits such as heat resistance, chemical resistance, and heat and electrical insulation.
The danger is when asbestos fibers become airborne and can subsequently be inhaled into the lungs and then absorbed by the lungs or a membrane that lines many of the body’s organs. Eventually, usually 15-50 years after exposure, exposed cells become cancerous. The asbestos fibers can also cause scarring of the lungs, lung cancer and cancer of the lining of the chest of abdominal cavity. Smoking greatly increases the risk of lung cancer in those also exposed to asbestos.
While asbestos is still found in many homes, schools and buildings, it only becomes a risk if disturbed, which causes the fibers to enter the air.
(3 votes, average: 3.67 out of 5)
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Hi Sheri.
My mother in law was one of the patients transferred out of Maple Creek tonight at 8pm. She was sent to Shaunavon.
We, her family, were not given any prior notice or any information regarding the problem.
We, her family, were not given a choice of facilities to have her sent to.
My mother in law became very upset—agitated–and anxious—which is very serious to her current medical problem. She was given medication to comfort her on her ambulance ride.
When asking the medical staff at the Maple Creek Hospital why this was happening—they couldnt answer—they were very apologetic–and very sympathetic to all families involved. The medical staff told me that they received a directive from Dr. Radveski and they had to follow it.
In our own current situation, it is important for my mother in law to remain comfortable at all times. To us, her family, that not only means medical treatment, but also to have family close by. Two hours is not close by. Had she been transferred to Swift Current, family would have been closer as there are family members in the city that would gladly be able to provide the familial role that she needs. She is able to communicate with her cell phone but is not the same as having family members right beside her. We are very certain that the quality of care that she will receive in Shaunavon will be comforting and the best, as it was here in Maple Creek.
The issue at hand is lack of communication directed by Cypress Health region to the Maple Creek hospital staff and the familes of those patients involved. Upon talking to Gregg Dunn, who is Sr. Management within Cypress Health District, I was given an apology regarding the fact the no direction or information was given to any of the families. Poor management as I see it.
When talking to Mr. Dunn tonight he of course couldnt divulge specifics to me. He could tell me that it was a hazard problem with air quality control. He couldnt say what the exact problem was. He told me that this could be a long term problem. What is long term? Again, he couldnt answer.
I requested that the Health Region be in constant communicaion with the families in this situation.
I asked Mr. Dunn my mother in law was sent to Shaunavon and not to Swift Current where she has received care for her medical problems previously. I was told that there were no rooms available. I shake my head and I am sure that everyone else is too right now !!!
One thing that I forgot to ask Mr. Dunn after ending our conversation and talking with other family members, was to ask—-How did the problem occur today? How long has it been known of? Apparently, there is to be an air test done tomorrow—and the results wont be known for some time. Time is an unknown factor in this whole problem.
I realize that air quality control is a very serious issue and thank the Health Region for dealing with the issue immediately. However, the way the problem was dealt with, leaves a distraught patient alone in an unknown hospital.
I will continue to advocate for my mother in law—she deserves it !!!
I will also continue with updates for the Badger readers !!! Thanks for your help Sheri.
Thanks for the update Sheri !!! Why couldnt they just tell us that it was asbestos in the first place !!! Why is it such a huge secret??
We are going to be looking at getting our family member transferred to Swift Current to be closer to family.
We appreciate all the hard work that the wonderful and compassionate medical personnel in Maple Creek and Shaunavon have done in providing quality care for her to this date.
My heart goes out to the families who have been transferred out. It is a tragedy that our hospital is once more closed and for a good reason. One more reason why our new hospital must get built immediately and not soon enough I guess. I do think communication is a must in sensitive situations such as this, families need to know what is happening and why. Patients, should not be left on their own when in serious health situations – they are out of their elements and the comfort of health practitioners, all be it GREAT, is not the same as family. My heart goes out to you & your family, Heather, and good for you for speaking out and good for you Sheri for writing such a good article and being on top of the situation.
Convenient how this “air quality” problem became a huge issue AFTER we were given the go ahead to build a new facility. What would of happened had the new facility not been in the works??? Where would that leave the Maple Creek Health Care? Something smells real bad – and I am afraid it isn’t the “air quality”…..thank you Sherry Monk for keeping us informed…let us (the public) know what we need to do to get our hospital opened up and families re-unitied in a TIMELY manner….not the speed of a turtle, but within days….
WOW!!!!! this is a real shock!!! and very scary …both me and my mother worked at the Maple Creek Hospital …my mother worked there for 25yrs!!! maybe they should have been doing air quality tests all along!!! I feel very bad for Heather’s family..which I also worked with her mother in law!!! they should have conversed with the family and maybe asked where they would like to place her!!! JUST TAKES A LITTLE COMPASSION …I totally agree with Anita on how convient this seems to be…again my heart goes out to Heather and her family!!!
As I understand it thus far, the results were learned late yesterday afternoon.
I am looking into the other aspects now, but from what I know so far, they are erring on the side of caution.
OMG I agree that the timing is suspectious… Are we being punished for getting the go ahead for a new hospital? Just wondering.
I feel for the families and patients that this closure has upset. And for the many people this will cause problems for in the days to come. Please remember we are a small but strong community so you can count on your friends and neighbors to help you as much as they can. All you need is to ask.
This is too sad for words.
Hi everyone, I am not suprised that asbestos has reared its ugly head here. The hospital is dated (built) in a time when it was used very extensively. If you remember, it is the reason that the plains hospital in regina was shut down, cleaned out , costing millions. All staff going back to day one, or at least 5 yeaas after it was opened should have concern. We went through this with S.P.C starting in the 70’s. Asbestos is a very dangerous mineral and should be invertigated very completely. How dangerous it is, depends on what type of asbestos it is. I have a very complete knowledge of this problem and know people who can help the staff and others. I am Don Byers living in M.C. phone no. 306 662 2521
I don’t think anyone is disputing the fact that asbestos is dangerous and the threat of it in anyone’s environment should be taken very seriously….my issue is the TIMING, and the sudden “urgent” need to make this hazard known to the workers and the public. I would assume that a study of air quality was done before – what has changed to make it so bad now? I was born in that hospital, have been a patient there many times,spend countless hours visiting patients, ect., am I now at risk? We must be diligent and make sure our hospital re-opens and continues to operate until our new facility is ready. Smoke and mirrors are for Vegas, not Maple Creek.
Hi Sheri.
Yesterday I ventured to the Shaunavon Hospital to visit my mother in law and also with the intention of transferring her to Swift Current. She was very happy to see a familiar face. She was also very happy with the care that she has received from the gracious hospital staff in Shaunavon. The meal was great–she received a comfortable easy chair in her room in minutes when asked if she required anyhing–and the staff has been very accomodating to her !!! We are so happy for this great care that she has been receiving as I write this to you.
I am going to let you know of another unfortunate error made by the Health Region. There was another elderly man that was transferred to Shaunavon with Violet on Thursday night. He was supposed to be transferred to Leader that night but was decided that he should be transferred to Shaunavon instead. Would you beleive that he was transferred to Leader yesterday after lunch? The poor man was so confused as to what was happening to him !!! And he has no famiily to fight for him !!
The Dr. arrived to visit with Violet and myself. I requested that she be transferred to Swift Current when she would have family members around her, which she needs for her comfort and care. The Dr. denied us our wish. His arguement was that the Swift Current hospital is for acute care only and not for long term care. He said that the beds that are available are for medical emergencies only. Well what do we have right now, I asked. He couldnt answer me. We argued for a few more minutes when he eluded that this was all politics, in which I also concurred with him. Why does someone’s health have to be the ‘monkey in the middle’?
After discussing other possibilities of care with the Dr., I came to the conclusion that we would have been “black balled” had we left Shaunavon and ventured to the Emergency in Swift Current. This Dr. was not willing to contact her previous physicians who have cared for her in the past.
So, after talking exclusively with a great lady who is with Home Care Services in Shaunavon—she gave us some great help—actually she provided compassion—the only one in the Cypress Health Region who took time to sit down with us on Friday( besides the Dr and nurses)—and listen to our concerns. The other people who I had talked to—well it was Friday–and why deal with problems on Friday of a great weather weekend.
As of writing this, we still have not had any communication as to the problem at the hospital, what alternative measures will be provided to patients, or a timeframe. Mr. Greg Dunn told me that he would communicate with our family. But yes, it the weekend, and no one communicates on weekends.
So for now, Violet will stay in Shaunavon—our family will travel all weekend to be with her. I gave up a day of lost wages yesterday to sit with her. I wonder if I could claim personal expenses with the health region for my wages, my gas to and from Shaunavon on Friday, and my meals? Oh yes, cant forget the overtime too, because I travelled outside of regular working hours.
Thanks for all the support from our friends and familiy during this trying time. Too bad I cant thank the Health Region also.
For some reason I thought that all of our small towns in the southwest region put money into the Swift Current hospital so that patients from our towns (emergencies or not) could be patients of that hospital when necessary. It is now necessary for Vi to be a patient there for her well being and for her family to help care for her. This is absolutely crazy and the Region does owe them explanation and reimbursement for wages and gas expenses, I think we should write up a petition and a bill. This is ridiculous !!! I am appalled at how they treat us. Just because we don’t live in their fair city. We did help pay for their hospital which THEY built much too small. I am enraged. I also feel so bad for that poor confused man who would be transferred twice to another hospital, I do wonder what that was about – and on the taxpayers money. Why oh why???
Heather, my heart goes out to you, for all the stress you and the family and Vi are going through. I do hope that you can get her transferred to Swift Current. It is good that you are getting good care in Shaunavon but I do understand that it is easier for family to be in Swift Current. The Region really needs to get their act together.
By the way , great work Sheri!!!
Thanks Connie.
From what I know (and what you will know come Tuesday) nothing is up with the timing. But once they knew it could be a problem, they had to deal with it immediately or suffer some pretty bad fallout from not acting once the problem was known.
But, I am still looking into it and as always, will share everything once substantiated in a timely manner.
Stay tuned!
Asbestos is not near as deadly as they make it out to be.
Is it true that the transfers of patients to other towns was not covered by SaskHealth or Blue Cross? Are the patients and family having to pay out of their pocket for this? Sheri could you please clear up this rumor for me?
As far as we are concerned, we WONT be paying any ambulance bills incurred by the Cypress Health Region. The ambulance bills will be paid by the Cypress Health Region is what I have been told by different employees.
Yes, if the transfer is because of a closure, the health region absorbs the cost.
The hospital will be reopening tonight.
Not dangerous? Try telling that to the people who worked with it 20+ years ago who are suffering or dying from lung cancer… Asbestos is VERY dangerous IF it is disturbed and gets airborne (from renovations, construction, etc) Its not like you go home, and discover lung cancer in a few months or years, it takes a long time, but most people who have been exposed to it in large quantities (before they knew it was hazardous) will suffer. Which is why it is great that it was discovered while it was not too serious, and the appropriate action was taken to protect patients and staff.
Which brings me to my next question what was the reason for monitoring air quality in the first place. They obviously knew there was asbestos, it is still in lots of buildings and as long as it is undisturbed it should be ok. Were they monitoring it because of a renovation or known disturbance?
I think its good that MC hospital was pro active by closing it, as much of an inconvenience as it is, the patients and staff’s best interest were at heart. Its too bad they didn’t contact families, it wouldn’t have been too difficult, just to tell them that they are being transferred out, however I THINK the question they needed to avoid was probably “Why?”. Please understand that in situations like this, you need to have designated people to answer to the media and the public. I know if something serious happened in my job, like the explosion in Nipawin, we can’t say a word… to ANYONE… everyone needs to investigate to get their facts in order before rumours start… that is policy. Glad to hear that it will be reopened tonight.
In regards to KLM’s comments, the Health District did NOT confer any kind of comments with this family. Had any type of communication been brought forward, perhaps being as vocal as I am right now, would not happen.
I also do agree that the hospital was correct in being proactive. That is not my point. The lack of communication is my point. I will continue to stand on that.
As of 4:30 this afternoon, our family had not heard anything about the hospital opening. I had heard it through the ‘grapevine’. I had to tell Mr. Dunn that my mother in law would be back in this hospital tonight either by ambulance or by personal vehicle. Nothing would have been communicated to us had I not have contacted him directly via Cypress Lodge. I would like to that the lovely person who took my message and passed it along in a timely manner.
My mother in law arrived back here in Maple Creek at 9:30 tonight. She is so excited to be back ‘home’. Thanks to all the wonderful and compassionate medical personnel including doctors, nurses, aids, EMS and anyone else who has been involved with her care to this date. The care that she has received in Maple Creek and Shaunavon has been first rate !!!
Asbestos is one hell of a health hazard that is why we have removed all asbestos based insulation in our homes.::.
Asbestos would really crap your lungs if you inhale bits of it.*,”
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