Rockford, Ill.-based Mercyhealth Hospital-Rockton Avenue diverted all incoming patients June 18 after storms pummeled the region and heavy rains flooded several parts of the facility, hospital officials posted on Facebook.
The flooding affected phone and email communication and damaged the main pharmacy at the hospital. No patient care areas were flooded. Patients at the hospital during the torrential rainfall were never in danger, and the hospital was not evacuated.
"Maintaining the safety of patients and partners is a top priority," the Facebook post reads. "At this point all incoming patients are being diverted to other hospitals. All patients who are here are safe and not being evacuated."
Officials said the pharmacists are working out of a second pharmacy that is fully functional. In addition, the hospital is using a backup system for internal communication.
Crews are working to restore the damaged areas of the hospital.
"Patient safety has guided every decision and continues to be the primary focus," the Facebook post reads.