Officials at Stephens County Hospital have confirmed that the facility remains fully operational after a mechanical failure in the building’s plumbing system led to multiple leaks and localized damage earlier this week.
According to a public statement from Joley Strickland, Director of Marketing, PR, and Community Engagement at the hospital, the incident began on Wednesday morning, May 22, when a pressure-reducing valve malfunctioned, causing a surge in water pressure throughout parts of the building.
The surge resulted in leaks in several areas, including certain administrative offices and parts of the Emergency Department.
Leaks Prompt Quick Response and Ongoing Repairs
Initial assessments suggested the damage would be minor, but further inspection revealed more significant impact than expected in some internal zones. Hospital maintenance teams began repairs Wednesday afternoon, and containment protocols were quickly enacted to prevent disruption to clinical operations.
“All hospital operations continue to function at full capacity,” Strickland said in the release. “Repairs began promptly, and while some areas remain under construction, care delivery has not been interrupted.”
Emergency and Patient Services Remain Unaffected
Hospital leadership emphasized that patient care services, emergency response, and outpatient functions remain available without disruption. There are no safety concerns for staff or patients, and emergency preparedness teams are continuing to monitor plumbing systems to prevent further issues.
Staff working in affected areas have been temporarily relocated to alternate offices as repairs are underway.
Construction to Continue in Coming Months
The hospital has advised the public that restoration and facility upgrades will continue over the next several months as the team works to both repair damage and implement improvements to the water regulation systems.
No estimate has yet been provided for the total cost of the incident or the completion timeline for all repairs. However, administrators say the hospital’s commitment to uninterrupted care and transparency with the public remains firm.
“We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding,” Strickland added. “Stephens County Hospital remains committed to providing the highest level of care.”
Community Impact and Communication
Stephens County Hospital is a central healthcare provider in the Toccoa region, serving residents across Stephens and surrounding counties. The incident has prompted a review of infrastructure systems to ensure similar issues are prevented in the future.
The hospital says further updates will be shared via its website and local media if patient access or service availability is impacted.
