The emergency room at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston has been fully reopened after it diverted ambulances to other hospitals for more than 24 hours after a water main break on Thursday.
Surgeries and other procedures were also back on schedule after cancellations and postponements, said Carrie Cristello, a spokeswoman.
The 597-bed hospital – one of the largest in New Jersey – began accepting patients via ambulances Friday evening.
The break occurred Thursday morning during the coldest spells of the season when temperatures remained below freezing for much of the week. It prompted the hospital to scale down services.
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Although the water main was repaired by Thursday night, hospital executives continued to turn ambulances away and cancel surgeries over concerns of water contamination until around 5 p.m. on Friday.
As of Friday evening, the hospital was still limiting water use until testing showed it met safety standards. Bacteria can sometimes infiltrate drinking water during a break. Bottled water has been given to patients and staff.