The Weyburn general hospital was evacuated Friday afternoon, after reports of a gas leak, which turned out to be a ‘strong chemical odour’.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority issued a media release around 1:30 p.m. saying all patients, 22 in total, were evacuated to local care homes. Staff were also evacuated, and EMS is on standby support patients.
As of 5:15, SHA says “all services at the Weyburn General Hospital remain on disruption, including Emergency Department services, as the SHA continues an investigation into a strong chemical odour observed throughout the facility.”
During the investigation, it has been determined that a gas leak did not occur. What investigators found was a strong chemical odor brought in on the clothing of a patient seeking treatment at the facility.
“19 patients remain evacuated at local care homes and will be accommodated in place overnight at these facilities while investigations into the cause of the chemical odour continue,” the SHA said. “Other patients have been discharged or arranged alternate care plans in the community.”
Anyone in the Weyburn area requiring urgent or emergent care is urged to call 911 or travel to the nearest hospital outside of Weyburn.
According to the City of Weyburn communications team, the Weyburn Fire Department was called to the scene. EMS and Weyburn Police Service were also assisting on site.
The investigation will remain ongoing.
A new hospital in Weyburn with a new 35 bed facility is expected to open in December 2025. The current hospital in Weyburn was built in 1952.