Penn State Health teams rally to reopen Berks Cardiology facility in record time following burst water line
When the Berks Cardiology team at Penn State Health Spring Ridge Outpatient Center went to work April 30, they were shocked to discover water pouring down from the ceilings and flooding three stories’ worth of hallways and exam rooms. The damage caused by a water heater that had burst overnight was so extensive and severe that staff first thought the facility in Wyomissing would be closed for several days — or longer. But through quick response and actions by many Penn State Health teams, those fears proved unnecessary.
Within an hour, the Facilities team was on-site, turning off the water and electricity to the building and quickly evacuating staff. By early afternoon, a contracted restoration company had placed temporary walls on two floors where exam room and offices were most affected.
Meanwhile, Information Services, Emergency Management, Infection Control, Facilities, Security and Operations were in constant communication throughout the day, holding several huddles. Minimizing disruptions for patients was paramount. Penn State Health Medical Group staff contacted more than 300 patients who had appointments scheduled at Berks Cardiology on April 30 and May 1 to offer appointments – with their same providers. The appointments were scheduled for May 1 at four other Medical Group locations in Berks County.
Berks Cardiology reopened partially to staff and patients on May 1. And the very next day – just two days after the water heater burst – the practice was fully back online.
Several Berks Cardiology employees temporarily lost their work spaces to the water damage, but Penn State Health Administration, Spring Ridge Family Practice and St. Joseph Medical Center have welcomed them to work at those sites as long as necessary.
“Keeping Berks Cardiology running for our patients throughout this recovery was truly a team effort and a wonderful demonstration of our Penn State Health values,” said Ruth Gundermann, interim administrative and operational lead, Penn State Health Medical Group. “So many teams jumped into action to ensure that the impact of the flooding to our patients was minimal. Everyone involved deserves our heartfelt gratitude.”
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