Frozen sprinkler pipe causing problems at Avera Flandreau hospital

A frozen sprinkler pipe in the Avera Flandreau hospital has patients being diverted to local hospitals. The hospital informed patients the pipe broke above Emergency Room 1 on Christmas Eve, causing flooding in all of the patient care areas.  The staff was able to keep other areas dry.   A statement said the hospital was diverting patients to Dell Rapids, Pipestone, and Brookings.  Inpatients were also discharged or transferred.  There is significant damage to the ER and most of the medical equipment in those rooms. Avera Flandreau expects equipment this week and hopes to have a temporary emergency room by the end of the week. 

December 28, 2022