Kaweah Health reports flooding in Emergency Department; patients can still access care

This article was updated on 12/6/21

VISALIA – Kaweah Health Medical Center experienced an incident this evening that caused flooding in its Emergency Department at approximately 6:18 p.m. when a sprinkler activated as if there were a fire, but there was not one.

“Our team responded quickly. We are working to fully reopen,” said Keri Noeske, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer. “We have adjusted operations and patients can continue to access care in our Emergency Department."

Kaweah Health’s ED team immediately closed the impacted area and evacuated patients safely to other areas of our ED and Medical Center. The Visalia Fire Department evaluated and cleared the scene.

The ED has 17 beds unavailable due to flooding and excess water in the area. Patients coming to the Medical Center via ambulance who did not have critical needs were temporarily diverted to nearby hospitals for care until 9:45 p.m.

No other areas of the Medical Center have been impacted.