Statement regarding incident at Horizon’s St. Joseph’s Hospital

(SAINT JOHN) – At approximately 7:40 a.m. on Sunday, August 15, an individual broke into the Urgent Care Centre at Horizon’s St. Joseph’s Hospital in Saint John, by breaking the exterior window at the entrance.

The individual broke multiple sprinkler heads, causing water to flow into the fourth floor where it entered into multiple rooms, including operating rooms, and flowed down the building.

No patients or staff were directly involved in the incident, and there are no additional concerns for their safety.

Due to the damage, Horizon temporarily closed its Urgent Care Centre until the glass is replaced and clean-up is complete. During this time, all patients and clients requiring urgent medical care are asked to seek treatment at another hospital.

All scheduled appointments at the IV Day Hospital have been redirected to Horizon’s Saint John Regional Hospital. The surgical impact is being assessed and patients scheduled for surgery on Monday, August 16 at St Joseph’s Hospital are being contacted.  

Horizon’s security staff were alerted immediately through video surveillance and were able to quickly address the incident and police were on site within three minutes. Horizon is providing video footage to assist with the police investigation.

Horizon would like to thank all staff, in particular our environmental services staff, who are working swiftly so regular services can be restored throughout St. Joseph’s Hospital.

Horizon will provide updates about service interruptions as more information becomes available.

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For more information contact:

Kris McDavid
Media Relations
1-877-499-1899
media@horizonnb.ca
horizonnb.ca/news