Severe weather caused part of a ceiling to collapse in the Pneumology ward of the Maria Santissima Addolorata hospital in Eboli, frightening admitted patients and medical staff, according to Il Mattino.
The collapse happened in the hospital spaces previously occupied by Cardiology. The exact size of the collapsed section has not been disclosed, and no structural damage beyond that section has been reported.
Rain and wind gusts also caused further damage in the Medicine ward and disrupted the electrical system, making it necessary to use the emergency generator. Il Mattino did not report injuries or evacuations, and it is unclear whether activity in the Pneumology ward has been temporarily restricted.
Hospital officials have started checks in all thirteen wards of the Eboli facility. The hospital has not said how long the power outage lasted or when the inspections will be completed.
The ceiling collapse follows earlier weather-related damage at the same hospital. In the previous days the operating rooms had been temporarily closed because of water infiltration and problems with sterilization systems, according to Il Mattino. Urgent patients were sent to other facilities run by ASL Salerno during that closure, and no reopening date for the operating rooms has been confirmed.
The Maria Santissima Addolorata hospital is part of the first-level emergency department network of Eboli-Battipaglia-Roccadaspide, according to ASL Salerno.
