Middlesex Hospital Emergency Department Reopens

MIDDLETOWN — Middlesex Hospital’s normal Emergency Department in Middletown is now open. Its lobby, however, remains closed until further notice.

The Hospital began providing emergency services to walk-in patients in its normal space this morning at 7:30 a.m.— just over a week after a car drove into the Emergency Department entrance and a fire ensued. The Hospital plans to begin accepting ambulance patients at about 10 a.m.

February 22’s fire was contained to the Emergency Department lobby, but the entire Emergency Department was affected. Water and smoke damaged about 90 percent of the area’s walls.

Since the incident, Middlesex employees and many contracted workers have worked around the clock to restore the Emergency Department, and the Hospital greatly appreciates their efforts. Damaged walls were removed and replaced; equipment was cleaned. Many supplies had to be thrown out and replaced. The restoration effort went smoothly, and everyone worked efficiently. They are the reason why the Emergency Department is able to reopen today.

Over the past week, Middlesex has worked hard to restore its building while still providing quality medical care to the community 24/7. At 4 p.m. on February 23, it opened a temporary Emergency Department in its outpatient surgical services area, which is located within the Hospital. The temporary Emergency Department is now beginning to close as the Hospital transitions back to its normal Emergency Department space.

Beginning this morning, patients who visit the Hospital’s Emergency Department will use the Emergency Department’s temporary entrance, which is located at the Hospital’s turret (tower) on Crescent Street. Security and staff will greet patients as they arrive. Patients will then be assessed and treated. If anyone needs to wait, a temporary waiting room has been established, and restrooms will be made available.

Emergency Department patients should park on Crescent Street, as they always have. The Hospital will have security officers present at the Emergency Department around the clock to ensure the safety of patients and staff.

Anyone who visits the Hospital for reasons other than emergency care should enter the Hospital through its main lobby.

Again, Middlesex Hospital thanks the many people who have helped restore its Emergency Department, and it continues to move forward.

Contact Information

Public Relations Director
Amanda Falcone
860-358-6980
amanda.falcone@midhosp.org